By Alex Enebeli
The Coal City University, Enugu, has dismissed media reports alleging that academic activities in the institution were disrupted by workers strike, describing such claims as “false and misleading”.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Afam Ituma, made the clarification on Monday in Enugu while reacting to recent viral video incident involving a staff and a student of the university.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that recent reports were linked to an incident that occurred on June 10, involving a student and some university personnel at a hostel within the institution.
According to him, the university immediately activated its internal disciplinary procedures upon receiving reports of the incident, including the suspension of the student and staff members directly involved pending investigation.
He said an independent review committee had also been constituted to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and submit recommendations to the management.
“Contrary to public speculation, the university had already taken decisive administrative action before the matter gained media attention.
“The suggestion that management acted in response to media reports is incorrect,” he stated.
Ituma expressed concern over what he described as unverified and hasty reporting by some media organisations, saying that certain publications contained inaccuracies and incomplete narratives capable of creating misconceptions about the university.
“Public confidence remains one of the most valuable assets of any educational institution. It is our responsibility to ensure that verified facts guide public understanding, not speculation,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the review committee was given 14 days to conclude its investigation and submit its report, after which management would take decisions based on its findings and recommendations.
Responding to allegations that the staff had embarked on strike action, the Vice-Chancellor stated that both academic and administrative activities were continuing without interruption.
He questioned the basis of the reports, noting that a private university with stable governance structures and uninterrupted administrative processes could not reasonably be described as being on strike.
“The allegation that staff salaries have not been paid for up to six months and that staff are on strike is completely false.
“Coal City University has a stable academic calendar, does not owe staff salaries, and continues to provide quality education to its students,” he said.
He added that the university had commenced a broader review of policies relating to students welfare, staff conduct, campus safety, conflict resolution and grievance management.
This, the vice Chancellor said, was part of efforts to strengthen institutional safeguards and align with global best practices in higher education administration.
Reaffirming the institution’s commitment to fairness and due process, Ituma noted that the student involved in the incident was a beneficiary of the university’s scholarship programme but stressed that scholarship status would not influence disciplinary proceedings.
He further highlighted the university’s achievements in academic programme expansion, quality assurance, digital transformation, infrastructure development and strategic industry partnerships designed to enhance graduate employability and innovation.
He assured parents, students and stakeholders that the institution remained focused on its core mandate of teaching, research, innovation and community service. (NAN)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu