By DADA AYOKHAI
The five-month-old administration of Prof. Dawood Egbefo, the acting Vice Chancellor of Edo State University in Iyamho, Uzairue, Etsako West council area, is facing serious challenges due to accusations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety.
These allegations are causing a crisis of confidence that is impacting the smooth operation of the state-owned institution.
As a result of the ongoing investigation into these claims, the Governing Council of the university has decided to suspend Prof. Egbefo.
It was learnt that the suspension was aimed at preventing any potential interference with the investigation.
The chairman of the Council Prof. Emeritus T.O.K Audu, acting on behalf of the council in a letter addressed to Prof. Dawood Egbefo dated 4th November, 2024, noted that the suspension was based on the unsatisfactory response of the acting Vice Chancellor to query issued to him at the emergency meeting of the governing Council of the university, held on 30th October, 2024
The suspension letter was signed by . Betcha Ekosuhun, an officer in charge of the Legal Unit.
Prof. Egbefo was appointed Acting Vice Chancellor in June, succeeding the founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, who completed the mandatory two terms of eight years.
The letter further noted that Prof. Dawood Egbefo suspension borders on allegations of contract splitting, siphoning of the university fund and non-compliance with due process and his outright display of incompetence in the management of the university affairs.
Consequently, the governing Council set up and investigative committee headed by the bishop of the Auchi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia to investigate the plethora of allegations against Prof. Dawood Egbefo and make recommendations to the Council.
To allow the committee have an unhindered access to files and university records, Prof. Dawood Egbefo has been directed to vacate office as the acting Vice Chancellor with immediate effect.
He is to handover the functions of the office of Vice Chancellor to Prof. M.J.E Evbogbai, the Director of JUPEP in the University with effect from Monday 4th November 2024.
