The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has expelled three students over their alleged unlawful possession of firearms during the institution’s recently concluded Students’ Union Government (SUG) election.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Awoke, announced the expulsion over the weekend during the inauguration of the newly elected SUG executives held at the university’s main campus in Abakaliki.
Prof. Awoke said the decision was taken to uphold discipline and protect the safety of the university community, warning that the institution would not tolerate any act of violence, cultism, or intimidation.
“Cultism has no place in Ebonyi State University as long as I remain Vice Chancellor,” he declared. “The era of coming to the university with guns to intimidate lecturers or fellow students is over. Anyone caught engaging in such barbaric acts will be shown the way out immediately.”
The Vice Chancellor confirmed that the three expelled students were arrested by the police after being found in possession of guns and live ammunition during the student elections. He alleged that they fired shots to scare away voters and even attempted to attack the Dean of Student Affairs.
“To that effect, these three students already involved are hereby expelled from the university,” Awoke stated firmly.
“They are no longer my students. This expulsion will serve as a deterrent to others.”
He further disclosed that the suspects are currently facing prosecution, assuring that the university management will follow up the case to ensure justice is served.
“We are pursuing the matter in court. Being a student does not give anyone the right to possess firearms or use them to intimidate others,” he added.
Prof. Awoke reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards cultism, examination malpractice, and violence, emphasizing that Ebonyi State University must remain an environment dedicated to learning, discipline, and integrity.
“By the powers vested in me as Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, these students are hereby rusticated,” he concluded.
The university community has since lauded the management’s swift action, describing it as a decisive step toward restoring order and protecting lives on campus.
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