Imo Varsity Shut Indefinitely as Rift between Okorocha, Uzodinma Worsens
- Students of Eastern Palm University in Ogboko, Imo state, have been directed to go home
- The vice-chancellor of the university, Tola Badejo, said the move became important due to harassment by the Imo state government
- There is a tussle between Senator Okorocha and his successor, Governor Uzodinma, over the ownership of the institution
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The management of Eastern Palm University in Ogboko, Imo state, has ordered the immediate closure of the institution.
The Cable reports that the development is due to the ownership tussle between the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, and his predecessor, Senator Rochas Okorocha.
Source: Twitter
Legit.ng gathers that the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Tola Badejo, disclosed this at a briefing in Owerri, the state capital, on Wednesday, April 28.
Badejo explained that the measure became imperative to safeguard the lives of the students, staff as well as properties of the institution.
The university don said the lingering crisis has disrupted academic activities on numerous occasions, hence the need to shut the institution until the matter is resolved.
He also noted that the state commissioner for education had earlier ordered the students of the institution to leave the premises, describing the directive as unsettling.
Badejo said the state government, with the help of armed policemen, also recently removed the university’s entrance billboard and replaced it with the proposed renamed K. O Mbadiwe.
He described the state government's move as harassment and one action too many.
The university don urged all students and parents to contact the registrar’s office in order to gain better insight and support.
According to The Nation, a panel set up by then Governor Emeka Ihedioha had recommended the university be taken over from Okorocha by the state government.
The administration of Uzodimma, in accepting the recommendations of the panel, renamed the institution Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University.
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In other news, Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers state, has advised Okorocha not to be discouraged by his current circumstances.
Wike gave the advice in Abuja during the dedication of Uche Nwosu’s son (Okorocha’s grandson).
The Rivers state governor noted that the kind of political battle Okorocha and his wife had been through would cause them to rely on God.
Source: Legit.ng
