The National Industrial Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the dismissal of Mr. Oladeji, a Chief Lecturer at Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, ordering his immediate reinstatement.
The judgment, delivered in 2023 by Hon. Justice Hassan Yakubu, invalidated the query, suspension, and eventual dismissal imposed on the lecturer by the institution’s Governing Council on 6 July 2023.
Justice Yakubu ruled that the Governing Council acted beyond its powers and breached the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic Law, as well as the principles of natural justice and fair hearing. He further directed the Polytechnic and its Governing Council Chairman to jointly pay Mr Oladeji ₦541,303.22, representing his half-salary withheld for May and June 2023.
“The suspension and eventual dismissal of the claimant are hereby declared null, void, and of no effect, having failed to follow the provisions of the law and the principles of natural justice,” Justice Yakubu stated.
However, the Court dismissed Mr. Oladeji’s claims for ₦10 million in general damages and ₦100 million in punitive damages, ruling that they lacked merit.
Through his counsel, D. S. Olabode, Mr Oladeji had argued that he was never invited before any investigative panel to defend himself. He also contended that the Governing Council Chairman’s tenure expired on 5 July 2023—one day before the dismissal decision—rendering the action invalid.
In their defence, the Polytechnic and its Governing Council Chairman claimed the lecturer had been issued notices and given a fair hearing during a visitation panel, which he allegedly ignored.
Justice Yakubu rejected this argument, ruling that the defendants failed to provide evidence that a disciplinary committee was set up as required by law. He emphasised that any contract of service with statutory protection can only be terminated by strictly adhering to established procedures.
“The claimant was denied the opportunity of fair hearing before his dismissal, and this alone renders the entire process illegal,” the judge held.
As a result, the Court ordered that Mr Oladeji be reinstated to his position as Chief Lecturer, with all withheld entitlements restored, but without the additional damages he had sought.
