The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has refuted reports circulating on social media that a “big snake” was killed in one of its classrooms and worshipped as a deity.

The university, in a statement issued by its Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations, Dr Sammy Kpenu, dismissed the claims as “completely false, unfounded and fabricated by troublemakers.”

UNIPORT assured the public that no such event took place on its campus. He said: “No snake was sighted, no snake was harmed, and no incident of that nature occurred anywhere within the university grounds.

“The university believes that the spread of these rumours is the handiwork of individuals seeking attention on social media, thus jeopardising the institution’s peace and reputation in the process.”

The school management urged members of the public, staff, students and stakeholders to ignore the fake news and refrain from sharing misleading information.

Kpenu emphasised that the university was monitoring and reporting those responsible for spreading information to the appropriate authorities, emphasising that UNIPORT remains dedicated to upholding a safe, secure and conducive environment for learning, research and all legitimate activities.