EBSU VC Prof Chigozie Ogbu Raises Alarm Over Intellectual and Moral Decay in Nigerian Universities
The Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof Chigozie Ogbu, has raised concerns about rampant corruption and unethical practices eroding the intellectual and moral fabric of Nigerian universities, urging immediate action to safeguard the academic integrity and future of Nigeria's youth.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a candid address, Prof Chigozie Ogbu, the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), sounded the alarm on the deteriorating state of intellectual and moral values within Nigerian universities. He highlighted rampant corruption plaguing academic and character development, raising serious concerns about the future trajectory of the nation's youth.
During a press conference held at the Information Technology Center of EBSU, Prof Ogbu lamented the pervasive influence of societal corruption infiltrating the educational system. He expressed dismay over reports of academic staff engaging in unethical practices, including succumbing to bribery and extortion, which compromise the integrity of the academic process.
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The Vice Chancellor decried the alarming trend of students seeking to circumvent the educational process by attempting to pass examinations without attending classes or putting in the requisite effort. He emphasized that such behavior not only undermines the credibility of academic qualifications but also poses a grave threat to the nation's future intellectual capital.
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Furthermore, Prof Ogbu drew attention to the politicization of student union government elections, which often escalate into episodes of violence, fraud, and even fatalities, resembling political party contests rather than exercises in democratic representation.
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In addition to moral decay, Prof Ogbu highlighted the pressing challenges of insecurity and inadequate funding plaguing Nigerian universities. He underscored the need for concerted efforts to address these issues to safeguard the sanctity of the academic environment and ensure the holistic development of students.
In response to rising insecurity, the university has taken proactive measures, including the deployment of private security personnel to curb criminal activities on campus. However, Prof Ogbu stressed the importance of broader societal support and collaboration in tackling the root causes of corruption and insecurity in educational institutions.
As the 12th to 15th Convocation ceremony approaches, Prof Ogbu's sobering remarks serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the educational landscape to confront and combat the scourge of intellectual and moral corruption, safeguarding the future of Nigeria's youth and the integrity of its academic institutions.
