The University of Calabar has relieved Prof. Obeten Ekabua, of his appointment as the Head of Department of Computer Science over extortion and receiving unauthorised charges from students.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Registrar of the institution, Mr Gabriel Egbe, on Friday in Calabar.
“Following reports of extortion and collection of unauthorised charges by some Heads of Departments/Units, the Vice Chancellor has directed the immediate stoppage and refund
of all such monies collected from students.
“The VC has also directed the removal of the Head of Department of Computer Science with immediate effect.
“The Vice Chancellor earnestly frowns at this unfortunate development and enjoins students in the faculties of Physical and Biological Sciences to henceforth resist attempts by lecturers to compel them to buy their text books as a condition for fulfilling any of their course requirements,” Egbe said.
“Meanwhile, management has constituted a three-man fact-finding committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Michael Okom.
“The committee is to investigate all reported cases of extortion and collection of unauthorised charges by lecturers, heads of departments or unit heads.
“The committee, which has Dr Tony Eyang, the Dean of Students Affairs and Mr Okon Usani, the Chief Security Officer as members, shall work with the leadership of the Students Union Government and is expected to come
up with it findings within 48 hours,” he said.
The statement also said that the vice chancellor had further directed the immediate stoppage of payment for Computer Based Test examination in General Studies, payment of library registration and payment for studio in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology.
“Students who had paid those charges are to have their monies refunded immediately.
“Please note also that accreditation for refund of money to Entrepreneurship Development Centre students who were not trained in 2019/2020 session shall continue until management further directs on this.
“We urge students to remain calm and be rest assured of management’s avowed determination to stop all forms of extortion and intimidation of any student of this university,” the registrar added.
