ROLL YOUR SLEEVES, DEVELOP A WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY TO CURB CULTISM, EMETU CHARGES ABSU GOVERNING COUNCIL

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu has charged the Governing Council and Management of the Abia State University, Uturu, to take firm stance against the cult activities of its students and other social vices that negate the philosophy of academic excellence and moral standards.

The Deputy Governor gave the charge during a security consultative meeting with the Governing Council and Management of Abia State University, Uturu, in his Office at Government House, Umuahia. He frowned at the unchecked acts of cultism in and around the university. This he said, manifest significantly in the rising insecurity plunging the institution.

He called on them to roll their sleeves, and develop a whistle-blower policy aimed at combatting cultism in the institution and communities by encouraging safe, anonymous reporting of cult-related activities. This he said, will empower stakeholders to speak out without fear of retaliation, thereby promoting a culture of safety, and peaceful learning environment.

He recalled the role of the Man O’ War in higher institutions, with particular reference to FUTO, urged the ABSU Governing Council and Management to adopt the FUTO model where their presence are felt in the university environment and all students hostels outside the campus. He charged them to revive and strengthen the Man O’ War organisation to support internal security, including within surrounding communities.

Furthermore, he called for parental accountability of their wards studying in the institution, stating that parents or guardians should be made to indemnify their wards against cultism, examination malpractice and drug abuse as it will create consciousness in the student to be better behaved to avoid expulsion.

Emetu conveyed Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to standardizing the university, and ensuring safety and stability in all educational institutions across the state. He assured them that government through ministry of works will visit and assess the border road between Imo and Abia for quick intervention as well as the rebuilding of the dilapidated perimeter fence around the university.

In their separate speeches, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Abia State University Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu Ph.D., and the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dist. Prof. E. I. Akubugwo thanked the Governor for coming to the rescue of the institution as it had become isolated before the current administration came into office.

They highlighted the reconstruction and building of new hostels, academic blocks, waiver for employment to meet up with accreditation of some newly introduced courses as a testament to the commitment of Governor Otti’s quest for academic excellence in the institution. They pleaded with the state government to come to their aid in the areas of boarder road rehabilitation and restoration of 24 hours security within and around the university.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, FCA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, ABSU Governing Council Board Member, Chief Elelenta N. Elele, Registrar ABSU, Dr. Acho Elendu, Dean Student Affairs ABSU, Prof Dick Uduma and the Chief Security Officer ABSU, Mr. Chinonye Ugwa, were present during the meeting.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State July 22, 2025.