By Fatima Muhammad Tanko —
Management of the National Veterinary Research Institute, NVRI, Vom, has dismissed allegations of nepotism and marginalisation of Plateau State indigenes in its recent recruitment process.
Recall that an open letter, purportedly authored by leaders of Plateau Youth Council, Berom Youth Moulders, and Berom Intelligentsia, had accused the NVRI of breaching the Federal Character Principle in its 2022 recruitment, sidelining host communities, and planning a lopsided hiring of over 200 staff.
But the NVRI management described the claims as “falsehoods and misinformation,” stressing that the recruitment was based on approved vacancies, specialised skills, and Federal Character guidelines, with authorisation from relevant agencies.
“With a total staff strength of 877 personnel, 400 are from Plateau State with 161 coming from Jos South Local Government Area being the extended host community. The 35 other States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory share the remaining 477 staff in post.
“At no point within the past five years has faith, tribe, ethnicity determined the composition of committees or project teams nor was it elevated as an administrative template.
“Rather an inclusive and equitable approach has been adopted in managing the diverse personnel pool of the Institute with fairness, gender inclusiveness and competence driving decision-making,” it said.
The NVRI also rejected allegations of disrespect to traditional institutions, outlining its corporate social responsibility projects, including drainage construction to prevent flooding, ICT donations to schools, and ongoing plans for a community borehole.
On procurement, the NVRI said it adhered strictly to due process and financial regulations, challenging the petitioners to request relevant documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
The NVRI also said in the 100 years history of the institution, it has within the last five years achieved over 20 research grants, ISO 17025 certification for several laboratories, increased staff training, and collaborations that have boosted vaccine production capacity.
The Institute urged the public to disregard the allegations, warning youth groups against being used to disrupt peace in the institution and its colleges.
“NVRI is a strategic national asset that must be nurtured, not undermined,” the statement concluded.