Chinedum Treasure
Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof Kate Omenugha has refuted reports alleging that one of the sacked lecturers in the institution, Prof Chike Osegbue was removed because he contested the Vice Chancellorship position with her.
Omenugha made the clarification during a mid-term media briefing at the VC’s conference room, Igbariam campus of the university.
Osegbue, was among the five staff members recently sacked by the Governing Council of the University over allegations of sexual misconduct, extortion, intimidation, and gross professional negligence.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Dr. Harrison Madubueze disclosed that Osegbue, of the Political Science department was sacked over alleged abandonment of duty without authorization or justification.
Addressing newsmen Thursday, Omenugha maintained that Osegbue was sacked over consistent reneging on his primary duty of teaching in the university.
According to her, when the issue of dereliction of duty was uncovered, Osegbue was issued with a query by his Head of Department, but he responded with insults on the Office of the Vice Chancellor and the Governor of the State instead of answering the query.
Her words, “Prof Osegbue had students who were preparing for their Masters Course in Political Science and he never appeared to teach them. When his HOD issued him a query, he wrote all kinds of insults against myself and the Governor, insisting that the university does not have a VC.
“After that, the university Registrar issued him a query and he responded in the same manner. A panel was set up to look into the allegation and he was duly invited. Yet, he never appeared.
“The panel then sat and made its recommendation to the university’s Governing Council and the Council approved his sack. The Council even gave him 30days to respond in appeal on why the sack should not stand and they are waiting for him.
“Therefore, anyone making allegations that Osegbue was sacked because he contested the Vice Chancellorship position with me is telling a lie.
“There are also other contestants in that VC election who are still working with my administration, occupying key positions. Why are they not victimized too?
“Come to think of it, I was the acting VC, I have served as a Head of Department and Director in a Federal University, I have served as Commissioner for Education in Anambra for 8 years, I have served the Presidency at various capacities.
“I also have over 800 citations in publications. Compare it with that of Prof Osegbue and know whether he stood a chance against me in that contest.”
While noting that her administration was more focused on delivering its vision of making the institution viable and visible, the VC said she could not afford to allow her image and dignity to be maligned by antics of individuals with little or nothing to offer the university.
According to Omenugha, her administration efforts in sanitizing the university was very difficult for her predecessors, a feat she said had attracted applause from many, including the institution’s Alumni who sent her commendation letter.
“Nobody can vilify me for sacking corrupt lecturers and those who sexually assault students. This is something former Vice Chancellors could not muster the courage to fight and I should be encouraged not vilified for doing the right thing.
“The Alumni has written me to commend me, and I need more of such encouragement to continue to sanitize the system for our children to be able to study in a sane environment.
“We cannot sack anybody because of personal vendetta. Of course, to sack a lecturer there are processes to follow, which were all duly followed,” she stressed.
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