Ebonyi State University has expelled three of its students for allegedly possessing firearms illegally.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to the school, the action the institution says is aimed at curbing cult-related violence and maintaining discipline on campus.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Awoke, made the announcement over the weekend during the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Students’ Union Government (SUG) executives at the university.
He explained that the decision was taken to serve as a strong warning to other students who might be involved in similar acts.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for cultism and violence, Awoke said, “This issue of cultism is banned in Ebonyi State University as long as Professor Michael Awoke is the Vice Chancellor.”
“This issue of coming to the University environment with guns must stop. The issue of using guns to intimidate my lecturers to award you marks must stop with immediate effect.”
The Vice Chancellor confirmed that the three affected students had already been handed over to the police and were currently facing prosecution.
He said, “We are following the matter up in the court. Being a student, you unlawfully have a gun you use to intimidate your fellow students, and Dean, because of the SUG election, is not acceptable.”
Awoke emphasised that the university would not tolerate any form of criminal behavior, noting that the expulsion was meant to deter others.
He said, “This expulsion will serve as a deterrent to others. By the powers vested in me as the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, these students are hereby rusticated. They are no longer my students.”
Reports indicate that the expelled students were apprehended by the police during the recently concluded SUG elections for allegedly carrying firearms and live ammunition. The university management accused them of attempting to disrupt the process and of attacking the Dean of Student Affairs.
