Staff of Edo State University, Uzairue, have called for immediate intervention by Governor Monday Okpebholo to stem the growing crisis in the institution before it grows out of proportion.
They have raised urgent concerns regarding an ongoing administrative crisis involving the institution’s suspended Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, and Registrar, Mr. Habib Ekhalefo, over allegations of corruption, high-handedness and non-compliance with due process. They said the illegality have led to significant unrest within the university community.
According to a detailed appeal that was sent to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the staff outlined how the suspended officials allegedly ignored their suspension directives and continued to operate in defiance of the university regulations.
“This crisis stems from allegations of financial impropriety, including contract splitting, mismanagement of funds and disregard for institutional guidelines, leading to their suspension by the university’s Governing Council on November 4, 2024.
“Despite explicit instructions to relinquish their roles to other officials, the suspended Acting Vice Chancellor and Registrar have refused to comply. They reportedly held unauthorized meetings and implemented decisions contrary to university statutes, exacerbating tension on campus.
“These actions have created a climate of fear, with reports of threats and intimidation against employees who adhered to the council’s directives. Several staff members have allegedly been targeted with unjust disciplinary measures, including queries and threat to withhold their salaries, for carrying out lawful instructions from the council.”
The latter also highlights concerns about disruptions to the university’s promotion process, with claims that approved promotions are being blocked by the suspended officials, ostensibly to stop staff who are not willing to support their illegal hold to power from being promoted.
Furthermore, the staff alleged that nearly 100 appointments were illegally made during the Acting Vice Chancellor’s brief tenure without adhering to due process, with many of the appointed staff paying the sums of N300,000 each before collecting their employment letter and efforts are underway to hurriedly confirm these appointments by the suspended officials in connivance with some officials in the Ministry of Education.
The staff call for immediate intervention by the governor to enforce the suspension orders and restore stability at the young institution. They warn that failure to address these issues immediately could lead to the loss of valuable academic personnel, who are already leaving the system to other universities, as well as damaging the university’s reputation in accreditation assessments.
While expressing belief in the governor’s action to these pressing concerns the letter pleads for a decisive action to protect the institution’s integrity and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that Edo State University, Uzairue, continues its trajectory toward becoming a world-class center of learning.
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