Unical : No Lecturer Was Suspended For Criticising VC

By Our Reporter

The University of Calabar, Unical has described as misleading the report by an online platform, Daily Post alleging that Mr. Joseph Odok, a lecturer in the department of Philosophy was suspended for criticizing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu.

Chairman of the University Board of Media and Community Relations, Dr. Joseph Ekpang when contacted to react on the issue said that the report was misleading as the writer abandoned the main issue that led to Odok's suspension and chose rather to dwell on imaginary issues.

Ekpang noted that the VC has on several occasions stated that he was open to criticism and contrary opinions aimed at moving the University forward.

He stated that in Odok's suspension letter which is in public domain, the University stated clearly the eight reasons why Odok was suspended and he is to face the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee.

Accusing Odok of speculating falsehood and writing damaging articles against the University and its leadership, Ekpang said that Odok will be invited to defend all his "unsubstantiated and spurious allegations" against the University.

He said that "The story published by an online platform, Daily Post that Odok was suspended because he criticised the Vice Chancellor is misleading and not true. In fact, nothing can be farther from the truth because the VC himself has stated several times that he's open to criticism and contrary opinions aimed at moving the University forward.

"For instance, when one social media user, Mr. Simon Utsu criticised the University last year for not adequately rewarding 1st class graduates financially, the VC took to his social media page to personally commend him and promised to do something about it. In less than 48 hours, the financial reward for all the first class graduates was increased by over 900%. This was the first time in the history of the University.

"People don't seem to understand what criticism is all about. Criticism is the practice of judging the merits and faults of something. It's not blackmail or maligning people's personalities.

"Would you call a junior officer describing his boss as arrogant and greedy criticism? Will you call the lies that the VC is running to JAMB to bribe them over admission issues criticism? Odok's allegations are indictment on the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration".

He maintained that "The University, like other organizations, has extant laws that bind every staff. The first course of action if there's any dispute with the University as a staff is to  exhaust internal mechanisms for conflict resolution rather than rushing to the media.

"Those things Odok published on social media are not criticism but damaging blackmail. He will be given an opportunity to defend and substantiate his claims and we will be happy to have the Daily Post cover the session".

It will be recalled that Odok whose suspension over an alleged incitement of the public against the University on social media was lifted last year was On Monday, 19 January slammed with another suspension for allegedly committing similar offence.