'No One Will Intimidate My Students': COOU VC Defends Dismissal of Five Lecturers

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Omenugha, has defended the dismissal of five lecturers from the institution, insisting the disciplinary action followed due process and was necessary to protect students and uphold academic standards.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Omenugha dismissed allegations of corruption and poor administration levelled against her by some of the affected lecturers, describing the claims as retaliatory attempts to discredit the university's leadership.

The university management last month announced the dismissal of five senior lecturers drawn from different faculties over offences including alleged sexual harassment and dereliction of duty.

Following their dismissal, some of the lecturers accused the university administration of corruption, declining academic standards and poor governance.

Responding to the allegations, the vice-chancellor maintained that the disciplinary measures were based on established procedures and evidence considered by the institution.

"I should be commended for doing what I did, and not vilification. Sexual molestation of students by lecturers had been happening under previous administrations and no one could stop them, but when I came in, I said no," Omenugha said.

She stressed that her administration would continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against sexual misconduct and abuse of students, warning that no member of staff would be protected if found guilty of exploiting students.

"You cannot be instilling fear in the students that are put under your care. If you molest my students sexually, I will rise up and fight you. No one can vilify me for sanctioning erring lecturers in this institution," she added.

The vice-chancellor also alleged that sexually explicit videos involving some of the dismissed lecturers had circulated online.

According to her, several female students also came forward with allegations of sexual exploitation, and the university thoroughly examined the available evidence despite claims by the lecturers that the videos were artificially generated using artificial intelligence.

Omenugha did not disclose further details about the evidence, citing the disciplinary process.

Before the press briefing, the university's Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, led journalists on an inspection of projects executed under the current administration.

The projects include infrastructure funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as well as initiatives supported by the Friends of the University programme introduced during Omenugha's tenure.

The vice-chancellor said the projects reflect her administration's commitment to strengthening the institution and improving learning conditions for current and future students.

She also disclosed that the university has established an appeal committee to allow the dismissed lecturers challenge the disciplinary decision and present any evidence in their defence.

According to Omenugha, while the university remains open to the appeals process, it will not compromise on measures aimed at protecting students or preserving discipline within the institution.