UNIBEN Sacks Professor, 15 Senior Academic And Non-Academic Staff

Authorities of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, have sacked 16 senior academic and non academic staff members, including a professor and five doctorate degree holders, over various offenses. The affected staff are now at loggerheads with the university’s authorities, as they have vowed to explore all available legal options to ensure that justice is done over the issue.

Those affected include Professor Anselm Igbafe, Dr Anthony Ijewere, Dr Mrs. Akortha, Dr Stephen Unyimadu, Dr Ophori, Mr. Emmanuel Okon and Y.K. Adebayo Stella Odjimogh.

Others are Mrs. May Nwoye, Barrister Folarin Dimowo, Mr. Kehinde Samuel and Messrs. S. Omokheyeke, Daniel Agbonze, Johnbull Osayamen, Richard Okokobioko and Osaigbovo Amaize-Amenze respectively.

They accused the UNIBEN management and its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Godwin Oshodin of acalculated attempt to put them and their families “in total hunger and suffering.”

Dr. Ijewere was allegedly sacked for extorting money from students by forcing them to buy his textbook; while Dr. Unyimadu was axed for alleged anomalies in publications and use of fake UNIBEN documents, including pay slips as Professor to National Open University.

On his part, Barrister Folarin Dimowo was sacked over allegations that he knowingly cleared a student, Miss Pryanka Onaemeran even when the panel of inquiry allegedly recommended that she should be warned against future act; just as Mr. Neville Obakhedo was relieved of his duties for allegedly threatening to set ablaze designated areas of the university.

Also, Dr. Mrs. Roseline Ucheya got the sack for allegedly being

involved in examination misconduct, releasing questions to some students and taking them to write exams in her residence, among other offences, and Mr. Odin Okojie was sacked over allegations that he demanded the sum of N40, 000 from a contractor.

But the affected staff said the action of the institution violates the extant regulations governing the University and contrary to the findings and recommendations of a panel of inquiry which investigated the allegations brought against them.

They accused the VC of skewing the university Council's recommendations “in his personal favor so he can get rid of staff opposed to his style of leadership.”

When contacted, head of Public Affairs Department of the University, Barr. Harrison Osariemen, stated that the Governing Council of the institution, which is the highest decision-making body, made the recommendation, which was implemented by the VC.

The decision of the University on the matter was contained in a memorandum dated 15th July 2013.

Source: PM News