NO RIFT IN DUFUHS, SAYS SHITTU, AS COUNCIL HOLDS MEETING
Nkechinyere Ewa
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of David Umahi Federal University of Sciences , Uburu, Ebonyi State, Adebayo Shittu, has dismissed allegations of an administrative rift within the institution, describing the claims as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to cause disaffection.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday at the university campus, Shittu maintained that there was no crisis between the Governing Council and the management, stressing that the institution remains stable and focused on delivering its academic mandate.
He also refuted reports suggesting that he had been sidelined in the affairs of the university, insisting that such claims were entirely baseless and without merit.
“I have no complaint against anybody and nobody has sidelined me,” Shittu said, noting that his long years of experience in public service make such a situation highly unlikely.
The Pro-Chancellor further disclosed that the university currently runs about 17 medical programmes, adding that both students and staff operate in a conducive and uninterrupted academic environment.
He urged the media and the public to disregard what he described as negative and unverified reports, alleging that such narratives were being pushed by unnamed individuals seeking to create unnecessary tension within the institution.
Corroborating his position, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Jessie Uneke , clarified that members of the Governing Council were physically present on campus for their statutory meeting, contrary to speculations that the council was inactive.
“As you can see, the council is meeting. Any suggestion that it is not working is not correct,” Uneke stated.
He added that the university remains stable both academically and administratively, attributing ongoing infrastructural development to effective oversight and coordination by the Governing Council.
Uneke further advised members of the public to always verify information directly from official university channels instead of relying on unconfirmed reports circulating in the media.
Also speaking, a member of the Governing Council Saliou Bamidele, dismissed allegations that the council had been hijacked, describing such claims as unfounded and misleading.
According to him, the council operates independently, conducts its meetings thoroughly, and adheres strictly to established procedures in carrying out its responsibilities.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education on the council, Paul Okpe, also debunked reports of any crisis, affirming that both the council and management are working in harmony to move the institution forward.
The university management reiterated its openness to scrutiny and encouraged stakeholders to seek clarification through official channels, emphasizing that the institution remains peaceful, functional, and committed to excellence in medical education.
