The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, has expelled three students allegedly found in possession of firearms during the institution’s recent Students’ Union Government (SUG) election.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Awoke, announced their expulsion during the inauguration of the newly elected SUG executives at the university’s main campus.
Okay News reports that the development followed an earlier arrest by the Ebonyi State Police Command in September, when three suspects were apprehended for attempting to disrupt the announcement of election results. During the incident, gunshots were fired into the air, leading to the injury of a student.
Prof. Awoke condemned the act, describing it as both “unacceptable and criminal.” He stressed that the university’s decision was taken to send a clear warning against violence, cultism, and any form of intimidation within the academic environment.
“This issue of cultism is banned in Ebonyi State University as long as Professor Michael Awoke is the Vice Chancellor,” he declared. “The use of guns to intimidate lecturers or fellow students must stop immediately. Therefore, these three students involved are hereby expelled from the university.”
According to the institution’s management, the expelled students were arrested with guns and live ammunition during the election. They were said to have fired shots to scatter the crowd and allegedly attempted to attack the Dean of Student Affairs.
Awoke revealed that the matter had already been taken to court, assuring that justice would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“We are following the matter in court. Being a student and unlawfully possessing a gun to intimidate others because of an election is not acceptable. This expulsion will serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding a safe learning environment at EBSU.
“As the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, I have decided that these students are no longer part of this institution. EBSU will remain a place of learning, discipline, and peace,” he added.
The university authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against cultism, examination malpractice, and any acts that could threaten peace on campus.
