Facts:

The respondents are lecturers employed by University of Ilorin they were plaintiffs in the trial Court. The respondents stated that, their appointments as lecturers were terminated on account of their participation in strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The respondents contended that though no reason was given in the letters terminating their appointments, alleged that their appointments were terminated on account of the strike action and disruption of examinations. The respondents further alleged that they were not heard in respect of any allegations before their appointments were terminated. The lecturers therefore sued the appellants as defendants challenging their termination and claiming reinstatement amongst other reliefs.

The appellants’ case as the defendants before the trial court was that the letters of appointment contain the terms governing the contract of employment between the parties and that either of the respondents or the 3rd respondent could terminate the contract of employment in accordance with the terms stipulated in the memorandum duly signed by both parties.