Over the weekend, the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Michael Awoke, announced the expulsion of three students during the inauguration of the newly elected Students’ Union Government (SUG) executives at the institution’s main campus in Abakaliki.
In September, the Ebonyi State Police Command arrested three suspects accused of attempting to disrupt the announcement of results during the university’s SUG election. The suspects allegedly fired gunshots to disperse the crowd, which led to a student being shot.
Describing the incident as “unacceptable and criminal,” Prof. Awoke stated that the university’s decision to expel the students serves as a strong warning that violence, cultism, and intimidation will no longer be tolerated on campus.
“This issue of cultism is banned in Ebonyi State University as long as I remain the Vice Chancellor,” he declared.
“Coming into the university with guns must stop. Using weapons to intimidate lecturers or influence grades must stop immediately. Therefore, the three students involved are hereby expelled from the university.”
According to the university management, the expelled students were apprehended by the police after they were allegedly caught with guns and live ammunition during the SUG election. Reports revealed that the gunshots were fired to disperse students and allegedly target the Dean of Student Affairs.
Prof. Awoke further revealed that the case is already before a competent court, assuring that justice will prevail.
“We are following the matter up in court. For a student to unlawfully possess a gun and use it to intimidate others, especially during an election, is unacceptable. This expulsion will serve as a deterrent to others,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, and violence, the Vice Chancellor maintained that Ebonyi State University must remain a citadel of learning, discipline, and peace.
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