The Federal Ministry of Health has finally suspended the Acting Principal of the School of Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu, Dr. Afam Ndu.
Dr. Ndu has been enmeshed in crisis with various staff and management of the school for several years now.
Recently, a group of concerned stakeholders had petitioned both the ministry and security agencies over the activities of the suspended principal. Dr. Ndu had been accused of being mentally unstable, and the group called on the hospital management to conduct psychiatric evaluation of the now suspended principal to ascertain his mental health status as his name had become a permanent feature in every crisis that had rocked the institution in the last 10 years..
However, in a letter from the ministry dated September, 20, 2023 with reference no, DHS, 133/T3/169, titled: “Suspension from official duty” and signed by Daloba Paul Edward, a Deputy Director, Dr. Ndu was directed to vacate his office and hand over “all materials” in his possession to the “most senior officer” in the institution.
The letter reads in part:
“I am directed to convey approval of your suspension from official duty and enjoyment of emolument henceforth, pending the determination of your involvement in the conflict between you and Prof. Monday Igwe, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.
“The matter has led to many undesirable issues, including closure of the school and disruption of academic activities, allegations of murder and character assassination, incarceration and threats to life.
These acts constitute serious misconduct, unbecoming of public officers, which violates the 2021 Revised Public Service Rules (PSR) 100402 and 100301.
“…Accordingly, you are to report to the Director, Human Resources Management and to furnish the ministry with any forwarding address where further instructions can be delivered to you. Furthermore, you are to handover all official matters in your office to the most senior officer pending the determination of the case.
Several staff of the institution who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said that they hoped that the ministry will be “decisive this time around” and save the school from total collapse.
They told our reporter that the issues raised by the ministry have retarded the school for over 10 years.