The Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, has granted sacked staff members a one-month window to appeal their dismissal. Vice-Chancellor Professor Kate Omenugha disclosed this while addressing journalists in Igbariam on Thursday.
Background of the Sacking
Last month, the university council approved the dismissal of two professors – Chike Osegbue and C. C. Nwabachili – and three others: Ifeoma Kakulu, I. H. Iheukwumere, and Emeka Nwabunnia, all from the Department of Microbiology. The dismissals were for various offences, including sexual exploitation of students and ethical misconduct.
Professor Omenugha stated that due process was strictly followed before the council reached its decision. She emphasized that the university adhered to all necessary procedures to ensure fairness.
Reasons for Dismissal
Regarding Professor Osegbue, the VC clarified that his dismissal was unrelated to his participation in the recent vice-chancellor selection process. Instead, it stemmed from his failure to teach a postgraduate course assigned to him and his refusal to appear before a constituted panel investigating the matter.
Omenugha expressed indifference to the court case Osegbue has initiated over the dismissal, asserting that she does not deserve vilification for making a difficult but necessary decision. She dismissed what she termed a coordinated media attack on her before and after her appointment, vowing not to be distracted from her mission to reposition the institution.
VC’s Vision for COOU
Professor Omenugha outlined her mission to bring viability, positive visibility, and value re-engineering to COOU. She highlighted her qualifications, noting she is the second female professor of mass communication in Nigeria, with eight years as commissioner of education, six years as head of the Department of Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and experience as an international consultant.
Her administration plans to reshape the school’s landscape with a leisure park and an economic tree orchard. They aim to plant one million trees in five years to foster a conducive, ecologically friendly environment.
Security and Infrastructure Concerns
The VC expressed concern about security around the university host community and urged stakeholders to support the construction of hostel accommodation to encourage on-campus residence among students. She thanked Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for investing in infrastructure at the university's Uli campus.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the university remains committed to transparency and due process in all its decisions.
