COOU Gives Dismissed Lecturers One Month to Appeal Termination
The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, has given dismissed members of staff a one-month window to appeal their termination.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, disclosed this on Thursday during an interaction with journalists in Igbariam.
She said the university remained committed to due process and assured that the affected staff had the right to challenge the decision through the institution’s appeal process.
Last month, the university’s Governing Council approved the dismissal of Profs. Chike Osegbue, C. C. Nwabachili and Ifeoma Kakulu, as well as Dr I. H. Iheukwumere and Mr Emeka Nwabunnia of the Department of Microbiology.
According to Omenugha, the affected lecturers were dismissed for various offences, including alleged sexual exploitation of students and ethical misconduct.
She maintained that the university followed all laid-down procedures before the council reached its decision.
Addressing claims surrounding the dismissal of Prof. Osegbue, the vice-chancellor said the action was unrelated to his participation in the university’s vice-chancellor selection process.
She explained that his dismissal resulted from his alleged failure to teach an assigned postgraduate course and refusal to appear before a panel set up to investigate the matter.
Omenugha said she was not disturbed by the legal action instituted by Osegbue, adding that she should not be vilified for taking what she described as a necessary decision.
She also dismissed reports of a coordinated media campaign against her before and after her appointment, saying she would remain focused on repositioning the university.
According to her, her administration is committed to enhancing the institution’s viability, visibility and overall value.
The vice-chancellor highlighted ongoing projects, including the development of a leisure park, establishment of an economic tree orchard and a plan to plant one million trees over the next five years to promote a greener campus.
She also expressed concern over security challenges in communities surrounding the university and appealed for support in providing more hostel accommodation to encourage students to reside on campus.
Omenugha commended Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his investments in the institution, particularly the ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the university’s Uli campus.
