The management of the Eastern Palm University in Ogboko, Imo state, has ordered the immediate closure of the institution over an ownership tussle between governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, and the former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha.
Recall that the Imo state government had laid claims to the university built by the former governor, insisting that the institution was built with the state's funds. Read here and here.
The closure of the university was announced by its vice-chancellor, Tola Badejo, at a briefing in Owerri, the state capital, on Wednesday, April 28. According to Badejo, the move to shut down academic activities in the university became crucial to safeguard the lives of the students, staff as well as properties of the institution.
He disclosed that the lingering crisis has disrupted academic activities on numerous occasions, hence the need to shut the institution until the matter is resolved.
The statement reads;
The recent visit by the Imo State Commissioner for Education ordering the students to leave the premises was unsettling for the institution,” he said.
The recent removal of the university’s entrance billboard by the Imo State Government and its replacement with the proposed renamed K. O Mbadiwe university by the government-aided armed policemen is simply one action too many.
Antics and actions by the Imo State Government have disrupted the academic activities of the institution and have stirred an air of panic and discomfort in a place that is designed to bring a sense of purpose to the young bright minds within its walls.
The decision to shut down was made upon the heels of the recent and incessant harassment by the Imo State Government and its total disregard for the court judgment of the state High court on this matter.
All students and parents are urged to contact the registrar’s office in order to gain better insight and support during this period. Creating a healthy and conducive environment for learning is key to our operations at Eastern Palm University and as such a parameter we cannot trade.”
