<p>MUNTAKA-COOMASSIE, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The respondents, who were the plaintiffs in the court below, claimed against the defendants/appellants in their joint amended statement of claim as follows:-</p><p> &quot;(a) A declaration that the defendants&#x27; letter dated 15th May, 2001 to the plaintiffs titled &quot;cessation of appointment&quot; purporting to terminate the plaintiffs&#x27; appointment with the 3rd defendant is ultra-vires null and void and of no effect whatsoever.</p><p> (b) A declaration that the plaintiffs are still in the service of the 3rd defendant.</p><p> (c) A declaration that the defendants are bound to comply with the directive of the Federal Government of Nigeria to reinstate the plaintiffs as contained in the letter of National Universities Commission dated 29th June, 2001 with reference NUC/ES/261 to pro-chancellor of the 4th defendant, and the 1st defendant.</p><p> (d) A declaration that the defendants are not entitled to summarily terminate the plaintiffs&#x27; appointment without complying wi…</p>