University sacks another four staff members, gives reason

The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State has sacked four staff members over various alleged acts of misconduct.

The university spokesperson, Harrison Madubueze, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Madubueze said the university’s Governing Council approved the dismissal of the staff members at its 123rd meeting on 5 November.

He said the meeting was presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the council, Peter Onwualu, a professor.

“The decision followed the consideration of a disciplinary report presented to council, detailing cases of misconduct involving staff across different departments and campuses of the university,” he said.

The spokesperson said the affected staff members were sacked for various cases including alleged extortion of students, academic misconduct involving demands for money to manipulate examination results, negligence of security responsibilities resulting in the escape of a suspect in custody, and theft of university property.

He identified the affected staff members as Edward Egwuaba of the Department of Sociology; Ohakaba Romanus of the Security Department, Uli Campus; Obinna Adams; and Vincent Okochichi of the Security Unit, Igbariam Campus.

“The decision reflects the Governing Council’s resolve to strengthen institutional discipline, promote accountability and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct within the university.

“The council reaffirmed that the welfare of students, protection of university property, integrity of academic processes and preservation of the university’s institutional reputation remain paramount,” he stated.

Integrity and transparency

Mr Madubueze stressed that the university’s Governing Council under the leadership of Mr Onwualu was committed to building a university system where integrity, responsibility, transparency and excellence were not merely aspirations but enforceable institutional values.

Previous sack of staff members

This is the second time in a year that the university would sack its staff members.

In June, the university council approved the sack of two professors – Chike Osegbue and C. C. Nwabachili.

Mr Osegbue was a major contestant during the last vice-chancellorship selection process in the university.

Apart from the professors, two others -Ifeoma Iheukwumere and Emeka Nwabunnia – were equally sacked for various reasons.

The four staff members were all from the Department of Microbiology.

Kate Omenugha, vice-chancellor of the university, said at the time the lecturers were sacked for various offences, including sexual exploitation of students and ethical misconduct.

Regarding Mr Osegbue’s dismissal, Ms Omenugha, a professor, said it was not connected to his participation in the vice-chancellor selection process but purely because he failed to teach a postgraduate course assigned to him and refused to appear before a constituted panel.