Sacked Lecturers of Ojukwu Varsity Reject Allegations of Insubordination, Sexual Harassment

Two lecturers dismissed from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University have publicly refuted the reasons for their termination, challenging accusations of insubordination and sexual exploitation. Professor Chike Osegbue, from the Political Science Department, and Comrade Emeka Nwabunnia, from Microbiology, were among five academic staff whose sack was announced by the university's governing council.

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I’m not aware of my sack. When I was suspended, even though it was a poorly contrived allegation, at least I got a letter of suspension, but as for sack, I’m hearing it from the media just like you. I have just concluded my six months suspension and I’m waiting for a recall.

Osegbue, who had previously been suspended for six months, stated he was unaware of his dismissal, hearing the news through media reports. He explained his alleged insubordination stemmed from refusing to teach a postgraduate course, PSC 811: Environmental Politics and Sustainable Development. Osegbue asserted that the students did not meet the required criteria for examination, and their admission just two weeks before exams violated institutional regulations. He further alleged "certificate racketeering within the institution is high."

Nwabunnia, accused of sexually exploiting students, vehemently denied the claims, insisting that a video presented as evidence was a fabrication created using AI technology. He presented himself as an upright lecturer who opposed bribery and sexual exploitation, emphasizing his integrity as a former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the institution.

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None of these students met the eligibility requirement, but they were nevertheless allowed to write examinations in other courses but I refused. Certificate racketeering within the institution is high.

Both lecturers also alluded to broader issues within the university. Osegbue mentioned his earlier bid for the Vice Chancellor position, where he claims to have ranked first against the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, who he states came fifth but was appointed. He indicated that this matter, along with petitions against the Vice Chancellor regarding fraud, is currently in court.

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The accusation of sexual exploitation was untrue, insisting that a video tendered as evidence against him was fabricated with AI technology.