Ebonyi State University Sacks 61 Lecturers, Rusticates 131 Students

The Vice Chancellor, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Professor Francis Idike on Wednesday said that in line with the policy of the university to rid the institution of criminal and nefarious activities and ensure discipline, the institution has dismissed 61 staff and expelled 131 students from the school

for committing several offenses inimical to the growth of the university.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki ahead of its 4-6th Convocation ceremony, The Vice Chancellor, Professor Idike disclosed that apart from the sixty one (61) staff of the university that were dismissed, 25 other staff had their appointment terminated.

According to Prof Idike, 42 others were waned while another 15 were also demoted.

He stated that the punishment was between 2005 till date adding that those who were dismissed would not be allowed back to the institution, while those who had their appointment terminated may still be recalled to the institution.

The Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka pointed out that further statistical breakdown shows that within the period under review, a total of 131 students were

expelled from the institution while 459 others were suspended.

He maintained that the management of the University had genuine and justifiable reasons for taken the action against the affected persons.

Professor Idike also announced that the University would be awarding diploma, Bachelors, PGD, Masters and Doctors of Philosophy to 7956 graduands in its convocation holding at the weekend,

adding that the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Hassan Kuka would deliver the convocation lecture.

He stated that the State Government has sustained a monthly subvention of N245m since April 2011 to the institution pointing out that the singular line subvention is hardly enough to carry out the current over N354m monthly salary bill of the university.

Prof Idike said that the University is in dire need of additional funding from within and outside the institution and urged well meaning Ebonyi people to come to the aid of the institution.