Edo University Staff Writes ‘Okpebholo’ On VC, Secretary’s Alleged Corruption – News – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Staff of Edo State University Uzairue have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo over the ongoing administrative crisis involving the suspended acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Dawood Egbefo and Secretary, Mr. Habib Ekhalefo over allegations of corruption, overbearing and -observance of due process.

The staff stated that the two suspended officials allegedly ignored the suspension imposed on them by the University’s Governing Council on November 4, 2024.

The letter, copied to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and the Chairman of the Edo State Education Commission, stated that despite clear instructions to relinquish his duties to other officials, the suspended acting Vice-Chancellor and the secretary refused to comply.

According to the letter, these actions have created an environment of fear, with reports of threats and intimidation against workers who have complied with the Council’s directives.

Their refusal led to tensions within the school community.

The letter reads: “It is alleged that unlawful disciplinary measures were taken against several employees, including interrogations and threats to withhold their wages and the establishment of a Kangaroo Disciplinary Committee to try them for carrying out lawful instructions from the Council.”

Members alleged that the acting vice-chancellor made almost 100 appointments without following due process and making efforts to hastily confirm the appointments.

Members called for the governor’s immediate intervention to enforce the suspension orders and restore stability to the young institution.

They warned that failure to address these issues immediately could lead to the loss of valuable academic staff who are already leaving the system.