DELSU suspends lecturers, sacks one for alleged misconduct

Authorities of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka and the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee (SSDC) of the institution have suspended some senior lecturers for alleged misconduct.

They were penalised for plagiarism while the appointment of another was terminated over the same offence.

It was learnt that the university authorities had earlier warned the lecturers over the issue.

Among those suspended are Dr. Ruth. O. Arisi (Department of Social Science Education, Dr. Robert.O. Isikwenu (Department of Animal Science, Dr. Edward I. Odokuma (Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology) and Dr. Ken M. Oghenejaboh (Department of Chemical Engineering).

Another lecturer was Dr. O. Nat Eriemo of the Department of Economics whose appointment was terminated.

The governing council of the institution at its 98th regular meeting on November 17, 2016 considered the report/recommendations of the SSDC. After consultations with the relevant bodies, the council approved the sanctions.

The suspension order was backdated to the 2015 appraisal year when they were due for promotion, while the termination took effect from November 17, 2016.

The Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Victor Peretemode while confirming the development said: “The committee in charge did its work and submitted recommendations which were acted upon. The lecturers were indicted and have been found culpable. Necessary punishment was meted out to them.”

But one of the affected lecturers, Arisi said all allegations against them were untrue, adding that they were victims of circumstances.

Meanwhile, about eight lectures were promoted as professors or readers after recommendation from the Appointments and Promotions Committee (Academics) of the institution.