Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufi-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) has dismissed Mr Felix Okemini, the former Security Aide to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State from the institution for alleged cult related activities.
The institution stated this in a letter to Mr Okemini signed by the Registrar, Ifeanyi Igwe, a copy of which was seen by our Reporter on Tuesday.
Background
Mr Okemini was sacked by Governor Nwifuru in March following controversy that arose during the Matriculation of the University.
He was one of the new students admitted into the institution to study Political Science.
But during the Matriculation he was pictured wearing insignia suspected to belong to a secret cult group.
The picture which trended on social media attracted condemnation with many calling for his sack by the governor and dismissal from the University.
Governor Nwifuru wasted no time to order his sack from his government where he had held away as Special Assistant on Security in charge of Ebonyi North zone.
The University a few days later suspended him and instituted an investigative panel to investigate his said actions on the Matriculation day.
Dismissal
In the letter of dismissal the university noted that the he was investigated following his unruly display and conduct in a manner suspected to be cult related with a faceless and unknown group within the University campus on 14th March, 2025.
“You appeared before the Investigative Panel and explained your side of the story.The Committee took note of your responses.”
The letter said the committee observed that Mr Okemini was offered provisional admission to read Political Science in the University during the 2024/25 academic session.
The committee, however, noted that he was yet to register fully and obtain Matriculation Number as a student of Political Science of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike.
“You were spotted chanting songs and displaying actions and insignia suspected to be linked to cult confraternity during the Matriculation ceremony.
“That the University abhors cultism and your behaviour elicited some security concerns to the University Community which was unexpected of a new student of the University.
“That your behaviour was cult related and in breach of the Matriculation Oath which you took on that day,” the Registrar wrote.
The letter further stated that in line with the report and recommendation of the Investigative Panel, the Management on behalf of Senate had directed that Mr Okemini’s admission into the University be withdrawn.
“Your admission is hereby withdrawn forthwith,” it said.
Continuing, the letter directed him to handover every University property in his possession to the Chief Security Officer or Dean Students’ Affairs and stay away from the University premises/campus.
“All University functionaries are by a copy of this letter informed of this development and are expected to ensure compliance,” the letter concluded.
