URGENT ACTION REQUIRED REGARDING PROF E.E. ENWEREJI, HOD PUBLIC HEALTH, ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY UTURU, NIGERIA
From:
Concerned Public Health
Students
To:
The General Public
Abia State University
Uturu,
Abia State
July 1, 2023
PUBLIC OUTCRY/PETITION
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED REGARDING PROF E.E. ENWEREJI, HOD PUBLIC HEALTH
Dear General Public,
We, the concerned students of the public health department at Abia State University, Uturu, write this petition to bring to your attention the alarming issues and grave misconduct perpetuated by Prof E.E. Enwereji, the Head of Department (HOD) of public health. We humbly request your immediate intervention to address these matters and ensure justice prevails within our academic institution.
Firstly, it has come to our attention that the HOD has been employing unethical practices to manipulate the academic results of students. We have concrete evidence that she has been instructing certain lecturers, both within and outside the department, to remark examination scripts with the sole purpose of intentionally failing a significant number of students. Such a vicious act not only undermines the integrity of the academic process but also jeopardizes the future prospects of affected students.
Secondly, we are deeply concerned about the deliberate delay in the progression of the 2016 and 2017 batches of students in the public health department to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). While students in other disciplines have successfully completed their academic requirements and moved forward, our department continues to face unnecessary obstacles. This unjustifiable delay extends the duration of our program from the intended four years to an unprecedented six years, solely due to the punitive actions of the HOD. This situation gravely impacts the aspirations and well-being of the affected students.
Furthermore, we condemn the arbitrary changing of students’ project topics at the last minute, despite their prior approval by assigned supervisors. This action disregards the financial investments and efforts made by students, especially considering the present economic realities in the country. It is crucial to respect the autonomy of the supervisor-student relationship and prevent any interference that undermines the approved projects. Such behavior is an affront to the rights and academic freedom of students.
Additionally, we would like to draw attention to the HOD’s recent implementation of the plagiarism detection software, TURNITIN, which is predominantly used for Master’s degree programs and not Bachelor of Science (BSc) students. This decision has placed students in an extremely difficult position, causing undue stress and confusion. The improper application of this tool not only lacks justification but also undermines the trust between the faculty and students, hindering the overall learning experience.
We implore the relevant authorities, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, to take prompt and decisive action to rectify the situation. The continued delay in the academic progression of students not only generates dissatisfaction among their parents but also has broader implications for the reputation and credibility of our esteemed institution.
In light of these distressing circumstances, we urge you to:
Initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations against Prof E.E. Enwereji and hold her accountable for any misconduct found.
Ensure a fair and transparent marking process for all examination scripts, free from any external interference or bias.
Expedite the process for the 2016 and 2017 batches of students in the public health department, allowing them to proceed to the NYSC as soon as possible, in line with their counterparts in other disciplines.
Safeguard the autonomy of students’ project topics, ensuring that changes are only made with the consent of the supervisor and student, and in compliance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
Review the implementation of TURNITIN for BSc students and reconsider its suitability and appropriateness within the public health department.
Foster a supportive and conducive learning environment that upholds the rights and welfare of the students, promoting academic excellence and fairness.
We sincerely hope that you will give due attention to our concerns and take swift action to address them. By doing so, you will not only restore faith in the integrity of our academic institution but also ensure that the rights and future prospects of the affected students are safeguarded.
We, the public health students, stand united in our quest for justice and fairness. We trust in your commitment to uphold the principles of academic integrity and excellence, and we look forward to a swift resolution to these pressing issues.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Public Health
Students
CC: President Bola Tinubu
Governor Alex Otti
INSTABLOG
YABALEFT
GISTLOVER
GISTREEL
TUNDE EDNUT
