The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over what it described as alleged partisan activities involving the management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki.
The opposition party accused the university authorities of allowing the institution to be used for political purposes, alleging that staff members and students were being mobilised for activities aimed at endorsing Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, the PDP said universities should remain neutral centres for learning, research and intellectual engagement, free from partisan influence.
The party expressed concern that the alleged development could undermine the autonomy and integrity of the institution, warning against what it termed the politicisation of higher education in the state.
According to the PDP, reports suggesting that university officials were involved in organising or facilitating political endorsement activities within the campus environment raise serious questions about the independence of the institution.
The party called on the management of EBSU to clarify its role in the alleged activities and reassure stakeholders that the university would not be used as a platform for partisan politics.
It also urged relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that academic institutions in the state are protected from political interference.
The PDP further appealed to academic unions, non-academic staff associations and student bodies to defend the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
“Universities are established to promote knowledge, innovation and critical thinking, not to serve as campaign grounds for political interests,” the statement said.
The party maintained that preserving the sanctity of educational institutions was essential to sustaining public confidence in the state’s higher education system.
Efforts to obtain a response from the management of Ebonyi State University were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
