Crisis Hits Edo University Uzairue as Acting VC Suspended Amid Misconduct Probe

Our reporter

The Edo State University Uzairue’s Governing Council has suspended the institution's Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, over alleged gross misconduct and financial impropriety.

This decision has cast a shadow over the administration, just five months into Prof. Egbefo's tenure, with concerns that the allegations may disrupt the stability of the State-owned university.

 

Uptown Press learned that, the suspension, which the Governing Council says is essential to ensure a fair investigation, is intended to prevent any interference from Prof. Egbefo during the probe.

The Council, chaired by Prof. Emeritus T.O.K Audu, made this announcement in a formal letter dated November 4, 2024, following what was described as an "unsatisfactory" response from Prof. Egbefo to a query issued at an emergency council meeting on October 30.

 

To thoroughly examine the allegations, the Governing Council has established an investigative committee led by Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia, Bishop of the Auchi Catholic Diocese. This committee has been granted unrestricted access to the university's records and files to carry out its mandate without obstruction.

 

Prof. Egbefo, who took over as Acting Vice Chancellor in June 2024 after the tenure of the university’s founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, has been instructed to vacate his position immediately.

In his place, Prof. M.J.E Evbogbai, the Director of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEP) at Edo State University, has been appointed to oversee the Vice Chancellor’s responsibilities, effective November 4.