MOUAU Vice Chancellor Condemns Staff and Media Role in Campus Riot, Alleges Sabotage of Academic Integrity
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Vice Chancellor denounces staff and media involvement in inciting campus riot, citing sabotage of university's efforts to uphold academic integrity and implement vital reforms.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a shocking turn of events at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has condemned the involvement of university staff and a local radio station in inciting a recent campus riot. The tumultuous incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, left a trail of destruction with university facilities set ablaze, vandalized, and plundered.
Addressing reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday, Prof. Iwe expressed deep dismay over the actions of certain university personnel and students who succumbed to manipulation, effectively undermining the institution's concerted efforts to foster a conducive academic environment. He lamented the blatant sabotage perpetrated against the university's endeavors to provide quality education and ensure equitable treatment of all stakeholders.
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One contentious issue highlighted by Prof. Iwe was the resistance from some staff members towards the implementation of biometric student identification systems. He emphasized that the biometric initiative aimed to address various challenges, particularly in maintaining examination integrity and enhancing service delivery to students. However, certain staff members allegedly obstructed these efforts, further exacerbating existing problems within the university.
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Moreover, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university's stance on the "no registration, no examination" policy, clarifying that it was not a novel directive. Prof. Iwe criticized attempts to disrupt the academic calendar by withholding registration due to unpaid fees, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established procedures for the smooth functioning of academic activities.
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The MOUAU administration's firm stance against disruptive elements within the institution underscores its commitment to upholding academic standards and fostering a conducive learning environment. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges universities face in maintaining order amidst internal dissent and external influences.
As investigations into the riot continue, questions loom over the role of university staff and external entities in instigating unrest, raising concerns about accountability and the safeguarding of academic integrity at MOUAU.
