The management of Ebonyi State University has expelled three students allegedly found in possession of firearms during the institution’s recently concluded Students’ Union Government election.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Awoke, made the announcement over the weekend during the inauguration of the newly elected SUG executives at the main campus in Abakaliki, Channels TV reports on Saturday.
In September, Ebonyi State Police Command arrested three suspects in connection with an attempt to disrupt the announcement of results during the varsity’s SUG election.
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The suspects allegedly fired gunshots to disperse the crowd but one student was unfortunately hit.
Describing the incident as “unacceptable and criminal,” Awoke said the decision was taken to send a strong message that violence, cultism, and intimidation would no longer be tolerated within the institution.
“This issue of cultism is banned in Ebonyi State University as long as Professor Michael Awoke is the Vice Chancellor.
“This issue of coming to the University environment with guns must stop. The issue of using guns to intimidate my lecturers to award you marks must stop with immediate effect.
“To that effect, these three students already involved are hereby expelled from the University,” he declared.
According to the university management, the expelled students were arrested by the police after they were allegedly caught with guns and live ammunition during the SUG election.
They reportedly fired shots to disperse students and allegedly attempted to attack the Dean of Student Affairs.
Awoke emphasised that the case was already before a competent court, assuring that justice would take its course.
“We are following the matter up in the court. Being a student, you unlawfully have a gun you use to intimidate your fellow students, and Dean, because of the SUG election, is not acceptable.
“This expulsion will serve as a deterrent to others.
“By the powers vested in me as the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, these students are hereby rusticated. They are no longer my students,” he stated firmly.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, and all forms of violence, stressing that EBSU must remain a place of learning, discipline, and peace.
