Some staff members at Edo State University Uzairue have raised 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, which have led to significant unrest within the university community.
In an appeal to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the staff members outlined how the suspended officials allegedly ignored their suspension by the university Governing Council.
They noted, in a letter to the governor, that the crisis stemmed 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.
The letter, copied to the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Chairman, Education Committee, Edo State of Assembly, claimed that despite explicit instructions to relinquish their roles to other officials, the suspended Acting Vice Chancellor and Registrar have refused to comply.
They reportedly held meetings and implemented decisions, thus exacerbating tensions on campus.
According to the letter, 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 unlawful disciplinary measures, including queries and threat to withhold their salaries and setting up “Kangaroo Disciplinary Committee”, to try them for carrying out lawful instructions from the Council.
The petition also highlights concerns about disruptions to the university’s promotion process, with claims that approved promotions are blocked by the suspended officials, ostensibly to stop staff members who are not willing to support their hold to power from being promoted.
Furthermore, the staff members alleged that nearly 100 appointments have been made by the Acting Vice Chancellor without adhering to due process and efforts underway to hurriedly confirm the appointments.
The staff members called for immediate intervention by the governor to enforce the suspension orders and restore stability at the young institution.
They warned that failure to address these issues immediately could lead to the loss of valuable academic personnel, who are already leaving the system.
While expressing belief in Okpebholo’s action to the pressing concerns, the letter pleaded for a decisive action to ensure that Edo State University Uzairue continues its trajectory toward becoming a world-class center of learning.
