The Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri has taken a strict stance against academic dishonesty by expelling 15 final-year law students.
These students were implicated in various forms of examination malpractice.
Among those expelled were a Catholic priest from the Orlu Diocese, whose identity remains undisclosed, and a lecturer from the Department of Management Sciences within the university.
A university insider disclosed that the expulsion announcement came just before Christmas Day. This source further mentioned that an official from the institution, who initiated the expulsion, threatened legal action against the university’s management if the decision was not upheld.
While the source acknowledged the severity of the punishment, he emphasized the undeniable guilt of the expelled students. He argued against singling out the 15 students, pointing out that numerous students across different departments were involved in similar dishonest practices.
The source detailed some of the malpractices, indicating that some students hired proxies to take exams on their behalf, while others resorted to using mobile phones during the tests.
“The Catholic priest hired a ‘mercenary’ to take an examination on his behalf. According to him, the insecurity in the Orlu axis of the state stopped him from travelling to Owerri to sit the examination.
“The Reverend Father was said to be driving to Owerri when his vehicle was shot at by unknown gunmen leading to his inability to eventually present himself at the examination hall on the fateful day.
“Also, the cabal that championed the expulsion opposed the female lecturer studying law whilst in the employ of the same university,” the source said.
In response to inquiries, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Sir Ralph Njoku-Obi, stated that he was not yet informed about the situation.
| Sahara Reporters
