NIMR fires back at ASURI over tenure policy controversy, denies victimisation claims
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Vanguard News
Reported by Nwafor
Sat, 7 Nov 2026, 00:25
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By Chioma Obinna The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has hit back at the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) over the controversy surrounding the implementation of the Federal Government’s eight-year tenure policy for directors, dismissing allegations of victimisation and personal vendetta against affected former research directors. The Institute maintained that the policy was neither initiated by its management nor introduced by its Director-General, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, insisting that it merely implemented a directive issued by the Federal Government.
Context & Background
✦The Institute also dismissed suggestions of an internal crisis, declaring that there was no dispute between its management, the Director-General and members of staff.
Key Figures & Named Entities
2026:It said the Institute received two separate government directives on the matter through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on February 10, 2026, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, on February 16, 2026.2023:The management explained that the Institute’s Housing Policy Guidelines, amended in 2023, allow retiring staff occupying institutional accommodation to remain for a maximum of three months with pay, after which the properties are expected to be recovered by the Works and Maintenance Department.2023:It further revealed that the Housing Committee responsible for the 2023 amendment was headed by one of the directors subsequently affected by the eight-year tenure policy.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦By Chioma Obinna The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has hit back at the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) over the controversy surrounding the implementation of the Federal Government’s eight-year tenure policy for directors, dismissing allegations of victimisation and personal vendetta against affected former research directors.
✦The Institute maintained that the policy was neither initiated by its management nor introduced by its Director-General, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, insisting that it merely implemented a directive issued by the Federal Government.
✦The Institute also dismissed suggestions of an internal crisis, declaring that there was no dispute between its management, the Director-General and members of staff.
Key Facts:2026: It said the Institute received two separate government directives on the matter through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on February 10, 2026, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, on February 16, 2026.2023: The management explained that the Institute’s Housing Policy Guidelines, amended in 2023, allow retiring staff occupying institutional accommodation to remain for a maximum of three months with pay, after which the properties are expected to be recovered by the Works and Maintenance Department.2023: It further revealed that the Housing Committee responsible for the 2023 amendment was headed by one of the directors subsequently affected by the eight-year tenure policy.
Editorial Excerpt
By Chioma Obinna The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has hit back at the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) over the controversy surrounding the implementation of the Federal Government’s eight-year tenure policy for directors, dismissing allegations of...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Lagos State?
By Chioma Obinna The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has hit back at the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) over the controversy surrounding the implementation of the Federal Government’s eight-year tenure policy for directors, dismissing allegations of victimisation and personal vendetta against affected former research directors.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
The primary parties identified in this coverage include Lagos State, Yaba.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
It said the Institute received two separate government directives on the matter through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on February 10, 2026, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, on February 16, 2026.
