NIMR crisis deepens as research professors face premature retirement

At the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), a policy dispute is forcing seasoned professors and research fellows toward premature retirement. The conflict centers on the Federal Government's eight-year tenure policy for Directors in public service, which NIMR's Director-General, Prof. John Obafunwa, is applying to academic and research cadre Directors.

The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) contends that this policy was never meant for career researchers and professors. ASURI points to a November 29, 2014, clarification from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). This directive stated that Research/Academic Cadre staff, whose careers involve publications and advancement, could continue in service until age 65. The clarification explicitly noted this was "without prejudice to the eight- year tenure policy of the government."

ASURI views the current situation as a misapplication of policy. They argue the eight-year rule targets administrative directors, not academics whose careers are intrinsically linked to research and teaching. Multiple clarifications over two decades have reportedly exempted research and academic cadre directors. However, NIMR management has proceeded with enforcing the policy, resulting in terminated grants, stalled projects, and professors being asked to leave their offices and residences.

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Now you say all the research professors should retire because they