Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has taken a firm stance against cultism at the Niger Delta University (NDU), warning students involved in cult activities to withdraw from the institution or face expulsion.
The governor also directed the Vice Chancellor and university management to identify and dismiss any students found engaging in cultism.
The governor’s directive came during NDU’s 7th Combined Convocation ceremony following recent incidents of students cult rivalry that reportedly claimed lives in the community.
It was the second time in a week that the governor had issued such warning. He gave a similar directive to security agencies in the state and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice on Wednesday during the state executive council meeting to speedily prosecute anyone arrested for cult-related crimes in the state.
He said: “Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university. May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw.
“There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government, I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, do not hesitate to apply the sanctions.”
Diri assured the institution that 25 years after it was established by the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha administration, his government will actively contribute to the narrative that will shape it for the next 25 years.
“As I reflect on this momentous occasion, my joy is indeed amplified by the knowledge that, as a government we are in our modest way actively contributing to the narrative that will shape the next 25 years for this pioneer tertiary institution.
“It is notable that the Faculty of Environmental Science complex boasts a comprehensive range of facilities, featuring 24 classrooms, 18 design studios, 6 modeling studios, 6 workshops/laboratories, and a state-of-the-art lecture theatre with a seating capacity of 300.”
Earlier, Prof. Allen Agih, Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri for his appointment as the institution’s 5th Vice Chancellor. The convocation ceremony, which was Prof. Agih’s first, saw 6,536 graduands receive degrees.
The breakdown included: 5,726 Bachelor’s degrees, with 69 First Class honours, 810 higher degrees, comprising: 16 professional diplomas, 191 post-graduate diplomas and 458 Master’s degrees.
In addition, the Pro Chancellor Dr. Matthew Seiyefa highlighted NDU’s significant contributions to manpower development and knowledge creation.
He emphasized the institution’s evolution into a hub for innovative ideas and initiatives, particularly in addressing climate change and economic diversification.
The ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, including the Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Dr. Fred Agbedi, Member of the House of Representatives, Felix Ayah, Member of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff, Government House, Cabinet members and other top government functionaries.
