Ebonyi State University has expelled three students over allegations of possessing firearms and live ammunition during the recent Students’ Union Government (SUG) election.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Awoke, announced the expulsion during the inauguration of newly elected SUG executives at the university’s main campus.
Professor Awoke explained that the disciplinary action was taken to serve as a warning to others, stressing that the institution would no longer tolerate acts of cultism or violence on campus. “As long as I remain Vice Chancellor, cultism is banned in Ebonyi State University,” he said. “The act of bringing guns into the university environment to intimidate lecturers for grades or to threaten fellow students must stop immediately.”
The Vice Chancellor further stated that the expelled students had already been arraigned in court, and the university would ensure the law takes its full course. He added that their expulsion was in line with the university’s policy of maintaining peace and order on campus.
Reports indicated that the students were arrested by police officers in possession of guns and live ammunition during the SUG election. According to Professor Awoke, the suspects allegedly fired shots to disperse students and attempted to attack the Dean of Student Affairs.
He reaffirmed the institution’s stance against all forms of criminal behavior, insisting that those involved were no longer part of the university community. “By the powers vested in me as Vice Chancellor, these students are hereby expelled and no longer belong to this university,” he declared.
Awoke urged other students to focus on their studies and shun any act capable of ruining their academic journey, noting that the institution will continue to promote discipline and excellence among its students.