From Yakubu Wuyep,Jos

The Staff of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (FCMLST), Jos, have faulted the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) for allowing Dr. Sunday Nkereuwem Etukodoh to remain at the helm of affairs of the institution after the expiration of his latest after spending  27 years as  Provost/Chief Executive Officer .

The oldest serving Provost in the history of Nigeria of recent before his tenure expiration dateline  he embarked on illegal recruitment of staff.
However, the staff are demanding an immediate clarification from the Ministry and the commencement of a transparent leadership transition, arguing that Dr. Etukodoh’s continued stay in office raises serious questions about compliance with the Federal Public Service Rules and the legal framework governing the College.

Dr. Etukodoh’s latest four-year substantive tenure reportedly expired on August 7, 2026, after which staff expected a formal transition to a new leadership.
Instead, concerns have emerged over his continued occupation of the office, with staff questioning whether he has been formally appointed in an acting capacity and, if so, what is the legal and administrative instrument upon which such an arrangement is based.
The development has generated renewed controversy within the College, particularly because Dr. Etukodoh has occupied the position of Provost for several years, including periods in which he served in an acting capacity employed since 1978 .
Nearly Three Decades at the Helm affairs ,
available records indicate that Dr. Etukodoh first assumed leadership of the institution as Acting Provost in 2003 before becoming substantive Provost in 2008.
He subsequently served several terms in that capacity and has remained the dominant figure in the administration of the College for nearly two decades.
Staff members argue that such a prolonged occupancy of the institution’s top administrative position raises legitimate questions about succession, institutional renewal and compliance with public service regulations.
They contend that the expiration of his latest substantive tenure should have triggered a clearly defined transition process rather than an open-ended continuation in office.
One staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, said the issue was not about personalising the disagreement.
“This is not about personalities or political interests. It is about protecting public institutions by ensuring that the rules are applied consistently and transparently,” the staff member said.
Eight-Year Directors’ Tenure Policy
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the Federal Government’s eight-year tenure policy for Directors in the public service.
The Revised Public Service Rules 2021, particularly Rule 020909, provide for the compulsory retirement of Directors or officers occupying equivalent positions after eight years on the post.

The Federal Government has repeatedly directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enforce the policy.
Against this background, questions were raised several years ago over Dr. Etukodoh’s status, particularly following his gazetting as a Director in 2013.
In a petition dated August 21, 2023, Dr. Sunday Bot, a lecturer at the College, drew the attention of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health to what he described as disregard for the government’s tenure policy.
According to the petition, Dr. Etukodoh took over the leadership of the institution from his predecessor in 2007 as Acting Provost and became substantive Provost in 2008.
The petitioner further stated that Dr. Etukodoh was gazetted as a full-fledged Director in 2013 and had therefore exceeded eight years in the directorate cadre.
Dr. Bot consequently urged the Federal Ministry of Health to enforce the relevant government policy and take appropriate action concerning Dr. Etukodoh’s continued occupation of the office.
FMoH Had Earlier Ruled on His Tenure
The Federal Ministry of Health subsequently responded to the petition.
In a letter dated November 29, 2023, signed by the then Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Daju Kachollom S. mni, on behalf of the Minister of Health, the Ministry stated that it had reviewed the relevant records, processes and procedures concerning Dr. Etukodoh’s status.
The Ministry consequently communicated the decision of the Minister of State for Health that Dr. Etukodoh was qualified to complete his second tenure as Provost of the Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science Technology, Jos, up to August 7, 2026.
That date has now passed.
It is the expiration of the tenure that has prompted fresh questions from staff about the basis upon which Dr. Etukodoh continues to exercise the powers and functions of Provost.
Staff members are particularly interested in knowing whether a fresh appointment, acting appointment or other lawful administrative arrangement has been made by the appropriate authority.
Questions Over His Length of Service
The controversy also extends beyond the Provostship.
Documents sighted in connection with the matter indicate that Dr. Etukodoh entered the Federal Civil Service on October 13, 1978.
If that record is accurate, his period of public service would span approximately 48 years by October 2026.
This has generated questions among staff and stakeholders concerning the applicable retirement provisions and whether any extension, exemption or special administrative arrangement has been granted in his case.
A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nanbol Listic, had previously raised concerns over the length of Dr. Etukodoh’s service and his prolonged occupancy of the Provost’s office.
The lawmaker reportedly questioned how an officer who entered the civil service in 1978 could remain in active service and continue to occupy the top administrative position of the College for such an extended period.
The concerns have now resurfaced following the expiration of Dr. Etukodoh’s latest substantive tenure.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
The renewed controversy has also brought attention to allegations of financial and administrative misconduct previously made against the Provost.
According to documents and petitions relating to the matter, allegations concerning the administration and financial management of the College have been made against Dr. Etukodoh.
There are also legal proceedings arising from allegations of financial impropriety involving public funds.
The allegations include claims relating to the diversion or misuse of public resources.
However, the matters are before the courts, and Dr. Etukodoh remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until the cases are finally determined.
Staff members argue that the existence of such proceedings further underscores the need for the appropriate authorities to ensure that the leadership of the institution remains subject to proper oversight and due process.
Staff Demand Leadership Transition
The continued presence of Dr. Etukodoh in office after the expiration of his substantive tenure has therefore become a major concern among sections of the College community.
Staff members are calling on the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately clarify his current status and, where appropriate, appoint a suitably qualified officer in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Provost.
They have particularly called for consideration of the next most senior qualified Director within the College, subject to the provisions of the enabling law and applicable public service regulations.
According to the staff, such an arrangement would provide administrative stability while allowing the Ministry sufficient time to conduct a transparent and merit-based process for the appointment of a substantive Provost.
One lecturer said continued uncertainty over the leadership of the institution could have consequences for staff morale, productivity and the overall development of the College.
“The College needs stability, accountability and a clear succession process. The issue should not be allowed to become a prolonged leadership vacuum or an arrangement without a clearly defined legal basis,” the lecturer said.
A Question of Institutional Governance
For the staff, the controversy goes beyond the fate of one individual.
They argue that FCMLST, as a federal institution responsible for training professionals in the medical laboratory science sector, requires leadership that is periodically renewed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and institutional governance principles.
They therefore want the Federal Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to clarify the position and ensure that the rules governing appointments, tenure and retirement are applied consistently.
They also want the Ministry to disclose, where applicable, the legal or administrative instrument authorising Dr. Etukodoh to continue functioning as Provost after August 7, 2026.
The staff insist that transparency in the matter is essential not only for the College but also for confidence in the Federal Government’s broader policy on tenure, succession and accountability in public institutions.
As the controversy continues, attention is now focused on the Federal Ministry of Health and the next step it will take regarding the leadership of FCMLST, Jos.
For the staff and other stakeholders, the central question remains straightforward: with the substantive tenure of the Provost having expired on August 7, 2026, under what authority does Dr. Etukodoh continue to head the College, and when will the process for appointing a new substantive Provost begin?