Prof Francis Otunta, the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, has been embroiled in controversy, accused of impregnating a third-year student of Accounting at the institution.
The accusation was made in a petition penned by a member of the University’s Governing Council, Dr Nelson O’Amanze Udenze.
In the petition, it was alleged that the Vice Chancellor impregnated a female student of accounting in 2017 and subsequently upgraded her to final year status without any examination. It was further claimed that he facilitated her graduation and sent her abroad to avoid any scrutiny.
Additionally, Prof Otunta was accused of abusing his office and embezzling funds meant for suspended university staff.
Dr Nelson Udenze, the member of the University’s Governing Council who initiated the petition, revealed that no press statement has been made yet as the Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into the allegations. He confirmed the petition was submitted in January 2020 and stated his intention to address the media after the investigation concludes.
Below are the images of the petition:
In a separate development, Prof Patricia Mbah, a female lecturer at the university, accused the Vice Chancellor of sexual harassment, illegal seizure of her salary, and victimization. The case is scheduled to be heard at the National Industrial Court in Owerri on February 3.