The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, is facing a lawsuit over demands for a fresh examination for the selection of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, of the Faculty of Law, in December 2014 assumed office as the 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin.
However, lawyers, under the aegis of Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, ALDRAP, have demanded the nullification of Omoregie’s appointment, and a fresh selection process, over alleged infractions.
ALDRAP has filed a pre-action notice, dated May 20, 2026, to signal its intention to approach an Abuja Federal High Court to seek an order of mandamus to compel the education minister to conduct a fresh selection process for the Edo university’s VC.
In the pre-action notice, brought under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and signed by its Administrative Secretary, Jesse Amuga, ALDRAP requested for the scores of 25 candidates – including Omoregie – who participated in the selection process for the VC of UNIBEN in 2024. The lawyers also sought information regarding alleged violation of condition of service due to overdue period of leave of absence from UNIBEN and receipt of double salaries and allowances by Omoregie from 2014 to 2024, from both UNIBEN and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
“In the interests of the general public, we write to respectfully request a copy of the results of the examination of candidates who vied for the position of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin in the year 2024.
“Take notice that in the event that we do not receive the request within seven days of the date of this letter, we shall take legal steps to assert our rights,”; parts of the pre-action notice read.
Following the expiration of the seven days notice, ALDRAP has announced that it intends to file a lawsuit – with the President, the Minister of Education and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as respondents – to seek a declaration that the selection and appointment of the current VC of UNIBEN is null, void and of no legal effect having been made in violation of extant laws, including the University of Benin regulations and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, 2000.
The association will also be seeking a declaration that the appointment of the VC is in breach of the principles of merit, transparency, and fairness, as well as a declaration that the selected VC is ineligible for the position by reason of having overstayed his statutory leave of absence from UNIBEN while serving at NILDS from 2014 to 2024, contrary to the university’s regulations.
ALDRAP is also asking for a declaration that the said VC is disqualified from holding the office having violated Section 19 of the ICPC Act by collecting salaries and allowances simultaneously from both NILDS and UNIBEN during the said period.
It will also ask the court to order ICPC, to investigate and prosecute the VC for alleged infractions of Section 19 of the ICPC Act, 2000.
Stating the grounds for the application, ALDRAP noted that the selection process for the VC of UNIBEN is required by law and university regulations to be based on merit and transparency.
“The said appointee had overstayed his leave of absence at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), rendering him ineligible for consideration under the University of Benin’s regulations.
“The Vice-Chancellor is in violation of Section 19 of the ICPC Act, 2000 by collecting double salaries and allowances from NILDS and the University of Benin simultaneously, between 2014 and 2024.
“The failure of the Minister of Education to nullify the irregular appointment and conduct a fresh examination constitutes a continuing breach of duty,”; the association added, noting that it has the requisite legal interest and standing as a public interest body committed to promoting good governance, legislative compliance, and transparency in public institutions.
ALDRAP had also asked the ICPC to investigate Omoregie over alleged infractions during his 10 years at NILDS, Abuja.
