Ojukwu varsity dismisses two professors, three others for gross misconduct

By Margaret Abah

The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, has dismissed five members of staff, including two professors, two senior lecturers and a principal assistant registrar, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The university disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Harrison Madubueze, following the 122nd meeting of the institution’s eighth Governing Council held on Friday.

According to the statement, those affected are Prof. C.C. Nwabachili, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Prof. Chike Osegbue of the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences.

Others are Dr I.H. Iheukwumere and Mr Emeka Nwabunnia of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Uli Campus, who were dismissed over allegations of sexual abuse, harassment, intimidation, extortion and other ethical misconduct.

Also affected is Mrs Ifeoma Kakulu, a Principal Assistant Registrar who served as the Examination Officer for the Faculty of Law at the Igbariam Campus at the time the alleged offences were committed.

Madubueze said the university's Governing Council reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and integrity, warning that any act capable of tarnishing the institution’s reputation would attract severe sanctions.

“The Council reaffirmed its stance on discipline and integrity, warning that actions tarnishing the university’s reputation would face severe consequences.

“The institution affirmed its stand on ensuring a safe, accountable and forward-looking environment, in line with its vision of building a ‘Now University and of the Future’,” the statement said.