By Praise Chinecherem

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Omenugha, has firmly rejected allegations that a dismissed professor was removed from the institution because he contested the university’s vice-chancellorship position against her, insisting the decision followed due process and was based solely on misconduct.

Speaking during a mid-term media briefing at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room on the university’s Igbariam Campus on Thursday, Omenugha described claims of victimization as “false and misleading,” maintaining that the Governing Council acted on the recommendations of a disciplinary panel after following established procedures.

The clarification comes amid public reactions to the recent dismissal of five staff members by the university’s Governing Council over various allegations, including sexual misconduct, extortion, intimidation and gross professional negligence.

Among those affected was Prof. Chike Osegbue of the Department of Political Science. According to an earlier statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, Osegbue was dismissed for allegedly abandoning his official duties without authorization or justification.

Addressing journalists, Omenugha said the professor’s dismissal had nothing to do with the vice-chancellorship contest but stemmed from what she described as persistent dereliction of duty.

“Prof. Osegbue had postgraduate students preparing for their Master’s programme in Political Science, yet he never appeared to teach them. When his Head of Department issued him a query, instead of responding to the allegations, he wrote all kinds of insults against me and the Governor, insisting that the university does not have a Vice-Chancellor,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that after the initial query, the university’s Registrar also issued another query to the lecturer, but his response allegedly remained confrontational rather than addressing the allegations.

According to her, a disciplinary panel subsequently investigated the matter and invited Osegbue to defend himself, but he failed to appear.

“The panel completed its work and submitted its recommendations to the Governing Council, which approved his dismissal. Even after that, the Council gave him 30 days to appeal the decision, and that window is still open,” she stated.

Rejecting suggestions that the dismissal was politically motivated, Omenugha noted that several other academics who contested the vice-chancellorship alongside her continue to occupy strategic positions within her administration.

“Anyone claiming Prof. Osegbue was dismissed because he contested the Vice-Chancellorship with me is simply not telling the truth. Other contestants are still serving in key positions under my administration. If this was about victimization, why are they still here?” she queried.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted her professional record, arguing that her appointment was based on merit and extensive administrative experience.

“I served as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Head of Department and Director in a federal university. I was Commissioner for Education in Anambra State for eight years and have also served the Presidency in different capacities. I have over 800 academic citations. Compare my credentials with his and judge whether he truly stood a chance in that contest,” she said.

Omenugha stressed that her administration remains committed to restoring discipline, accountability and academic integrity within the institution, despite resistance from individuals affected by the ongoing reforms.

“Nobody can vilify me for sacking corrupt lecturers and those who sexually assault students. Previous administrations found it difficult to confront these challenges. I should be encouraged—not condemned—for doing what is right.”

She revealed that the university’s Alumni Association had formally commended the administration’s efforts to sanitize the institution, describing the recognition as encouragement to sustain the reforms.

“Our responsibility is to provide a safe and conducive environment for learning. We cannot dismiss anyone out of personal vendetta. There are laid-down procedures for disciplining staff, and those procedures were meticulously followed.”

Earlier, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, conducted journalists on a tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the institution, showcasing developments aimed at improving learning facilities and enhancing the university’s academic environment.