However, the court dismissed the wrongful termination claim, stating that the suit lacked merit. The court held that the defendant followed the procedure provided by the university law and that the claimant’s allegation of want of fair hearing was not proven.
Atanda argued that he was not given three months’ notice of termination or payment instead of information, as required by his appointment letter. He also stated that he could not question or cross-examine the people who levelled the allegations against him.
On the other hand, the defendant argued that Atanda was allowed to be heard and to cross-examine those who gave evidence against him. The university also argued that it was within its rights to investigate and punish any erring staff, as provided by the Kwara State University Law, 2008.
The court ruled that Atanda’s termination was during his probation period, and he was not entitled to reinstatement. However, the court ordered KWASU to pay Atanda three months’ salary in lieu of notice within 21 days and awarded the sum of N200,000 as a cost in favour of the claimant.