IMO: Eastern Palm varsity shut down over Uzodinma, Okorocha crisis

THE management of Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, has announced the shutting down of the institution with immediate effect.

The decision was announced by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tola Badejo in Owerri today.

According to Badejo, the decision was taken to safeguard the lives of the students and staff and as well as the properties of the varsity.

He added that the institution took the decision following the ownership crisis between Rochas Okorocha and the state government.

He said, “The recent visit by the Imo State Commissioner for Education ordering the students to leave the premises was unsettling for the institution. The recent removal of the university’s entrance billboard by the Imo State Government and its replacement with the proposed renamed K. O Mbadiwe university by the government-aided armed policemen is simply one action too many.

“Antics and actions by the Imo State Government have disrupted the academic activities of the institution and have stirred an air of panic and discomfort in a place that is designed to bring a sense of purpose to the young bright minds within its walls.

“The decision to shut down was made upon the heels of the recent and incessant harassment by the Imo State Government and its total disregard for the court judgment of the state High court on this matter.

“All students and parents are urged to contact the registrar’s office in order to gain better insight and support during this period. Creating a healthy and conducive environment for learning is key to our operations at Eastern Palm University and as such a parameter we cannot trade.”

This is coming a month after the Uzodinma administration announced the seizure of Eastern Palm University.

The Imo State government claimed that university was built with the resources of the state

But Okorocha, through his aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, said the state government had no legal right to announce the recovery of the institution from the trustees of Rochas Foundation.

He advised the state government to wait for the outcome of a suit it filed challenging the ownership status of the institution.

However, the state government said there was no going back on the recovery process adding that the National Universities Commission’s records showed that the university was documented as the state-owned university.

He said, “The university was registered as state-owned university. The university was built with funds belonging to tax payers of Imo State.

“There is no going back on the recovery. All the relevant agencies have been informed.” The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba had said.