The University of Nigeria Nsukka, has condemned the recent criticisms made by an education advocate, Alex Onyia, over the state infrastructure at the institution.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Agha Egwu Inya, alleged that Onyia arrived at the university with an ulterior motive and a television crew, ready to document the deteriorating infrastructure, particularly at Eni-Njoku hostel, contrary to his original and official engagement to the Institution.
Inya expressed the university’s embarrassment, claiming that Onyia’s actions portrayed the institution in a negative light before the public.
In the statement shared by Onyia himself, on his official page, seeking public opinion, the university official compared his conduct with that of Chukwuma Soludo, describing the governor as an example of what was termed “true alumni spirit.”
The statement further alleged that Onyia, who was invited to deliver the Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture organised by his faculty, shifted attention from mentorship and intellectual engagement to criticisms about hostel conditions within the institution.
According to the university official, the management under Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya had already commenced steps toward hostel renovation before the controversy emerged.
Inya lamented, “What makes this behaviour particularly unfair is that he was most likely aware that the university management had already awarded contracts for the renovation of some of the hostels,” the statement read.
The statement also criticised Onyia’s comments during a television interview where he allegedly described the university environment as “stinking.”
It further addressed claims concerning an alleged eviction involving a visually impaired student, stating that the allegation was later disputed by the university authorities and other groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students.
“The contradiction of Mr Onyia’s claims by multiple independent voices inevitably raises serious questions about his intentions and credibility,” the statement added.
The university official questioned the objective behind Onyia’s criticism of the institution.
According to the statement, concerns were raised over whether the criticisms were intended to seek improvements within the university or draw public attention to the institution’s challenges.
The statement added that concerns about the university should be addressed through engagement and support.
The official also referenced Soludo’s recent visit to the university, noting that the governor acknowledged some ongoing infrastructural improvements within the campus despite existing challenges facing public tertiary institutions.
DailyPost / Omowunmi Adewuyi
