Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Professor Chigozie Ogbu, the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Thursday denied selling the institution’s vehicles.
Prof Ogbu, who described as falsehood the allegations from a social media influencer in Ebonyi, urged members of the public to disregard such information.
He told journalists that the university’s property is being managed in accordance with established guidelines and protocols for its students, as well as promoting a conducive learning environment for academic and research activities.
He re-emphasised his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the institution and ensuring that all resources are utilized responsibly for the benefit of students and staff.
“I did not sell any Tipper as alleged by one Chika Nwoba. Our Tipper was stolen but with the help of the Police, it was recovered while investigation is still ongoing”
“Before the auctioning process, a university statutory board of survey is normally mandated by the university to look at some of its unserviceable items.
“This board headed by a reputable professor has membership drawn across the university and takes not less than 6 months to compile a list of items.”
Ogbu explained that the final list of items usually goes through several layers of approval by the institution’s Management.
“The list is made public for a couple of weeks before public bidding, detailing names and locations of items.
“This is to enable prospective bidders to have a proper assessment as the bidding is usually held on a publicised date and venue.
“Interested members of the public converge on the venue to observe the process which is next to perfection.”
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in the administration of Ebonyi State University.
“As the university continues its academic programs and activities, I urged students, staff, and the public to remain focused on the pursuit of knowledge and excellence while disregarding unfounded rumours and misinformation.
The Vice-Chancellor further said that insecurity is the major challenge facing the institution, leading to constant vandalization of armoured cables in the institution and other valuable properties.
He decried the activities of hoodlums in the institution and noted that the school management is handicapped in tackling the challenge because of the law regulating the carrying of arms inside University premises in Nigeria.
He said under his watch, he will continue to do his best to secure the Varsity properties.
EBSU Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, Prof. Chika Nwafor, who joined security operatives in investigating the missing Tipper, explained that the driver raised the alarm via written letter that the articulated vehicle was illegally towed by unidentified men in military uniform where it was parked at the mechanic village to government house but the information was later found out to be false.