Staff members at Edo State University Uzairue have raised the alarm over an escalating administrative crisis involving the institution’s suspended Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, and Registrar, Mr. Habib Ekhalefo.
The officials face allegations of corruption, high-handedness, and non-compliance with due process, leading to significant unrest within the university community.
In a petition addressed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the staff accused the suspended officials of disregarding their suspension by the university’s Governing Council and continuing to exercise authority, further fueling tensions on campus.
The crisis reportedly stems from allegations of financial impropriety, including contract splitting, mismanagement of funds, and disregard for institutional guidelines, which led to their suspension by the Governing Council on November 4, 2024.
The petition, which was also sent to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Attorney General, and other key officials, alleged that the suspended Acting Vice Chancellor and Registrar have continued to hold meetings and implement decisions, ignoring explicit directives to relinquish their roles to other officials.
The staff further accused the suspended officials of creating a climate of fear within the university.
They claimed that several staff members have been targeted with unlawful disciplinary actions, including threats of withheld salaries and the establishment of a “kangaroo disciplinary committee” to punish employees who comply with the Council’s orders.
The petition also highlighted concerns about disruptions to the university’s promotion process, with allegations that promotions for staff members perceived as unsupportive of the suspended officials’ continued authority were deliberately blocked.
Additionally, they accused the Acting Vice Chancellor of making nearly 100 irregular appointments without following due process and attempting to confirm these appointments despite their suspension hurriedly.
The staff members have called on Governor Okpebholo to intervene urgently to enforce the suspension orders and restore stability to the institution.
While expressing hope in the governor’s commitment to addressing the crisis, the petition urged him to take decisive action to ensure the institution continues its pursuit of becoming a world-class center of learning.
