Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam in Anambra State has approved the immediate dismissal of at least five academic staff members of the university.
The Governing Council of University, approved the dismissal during its inaugural meeting on Friday, chaired by the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Peter Onwualu.
The dismissal of the staff followed the report of a disciplinary committee set up to look into the various cases of misconduct against the staff members, which was brought before the Council for consideration.
Those whose sack was approved by the university council include Professor Chike Osegbue, of the Department of Political Science, who was found to have abandoned his duties as an academic staff member of the university, without any excuse or justification, our source said.
The immediate past Dean of Faculty of Law, Professor C. C. Nwabachili and a Principal Assistant Registrar, the Examination Officer for Faculty of Law in the Exams Unit, Igbariam Campus, Ifeoma Kakulu were sacked over cases of gross misconduct.
Also, Dr. I. H. Iheukwumere and Mr. Emeka Nwabunnia, of the Department of Microbiology, Uli Campus, were dismissed over cases of sexual harassment and intimidation.
The council meeting was attended by all members of the University Council who were inaugurated on Thursday by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and charged to deliver nothing but excellence.
According to a statement from the university’s governing council, with the action, the University Council has set a new mark of conduct and redirected focus to commitment to value for staff, especially academic staff members of the university, who the Council said are expected to uphold the highest level of professional and ethical conduct as role models.
The council submitted that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University must set the pace in learning, teaching, and training quality graduates with the requisite skill set that meets the challenges of the present time.
It further committed to upholding the virtues of integrity, discipline, and honest commitment to academic values.
Meanwhile, the Council also approved the promotion of at least 13 Readers to full professorship.
Those promoted include Dr. Uju Susan Muogbo of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Nonso Mbah of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Basil Agoha of the Department of Architecture, Dr. Ikechukwu Gbasouzor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Agary Nwokoye of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Ikechukwu Asika of the Department of English, Dr. Nkiru Chude, Dr. Kennedy Onwuama, Dr. Chinyerem Nwachukwu, Dr. Susan Oguejiofor, Dr. Anthonia Okoye, Dr. Choice Okaforcha, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Dim.
The Chairman of Council, Professor Peter Onwualu, while extending the Council’s congratulations to the new professors, also charged them to continue to hold the academic banner to the highest standards.
