The Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) in Uburu, Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke, has strongly rejected allegations of bullying within the institution. Uneke described the claims as baseless and an intentional fabrication aimed at tarnishing the university’s reputation. He called out the spreaders of this “fake news,” asserting that the false reports were part of a deliberate attempt to disrupt the harmonious environment at DUFUHS.
In a statement delivered on Monday at his office, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the university’s facilities, including the cancer, renal, and eye centres, funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), are owned by the institution as per the TETFUND Act. He highlighted that DUFUHS has been responsible for the management of these centres from their inception. Uneke also noted that the National Assembly’s Committee on Tertiary Education had invited him multiple times to clarify the situation, with oversight functions conducted at the university to ensure transparency and proper management.
Addressing the bullying allegations directly, Uneke denied ever inciting students against the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital or making any attempt to take hospital facilities. He explained that such claims were entirely false and urged the public to disregard them. “I can’t belittle myself in that manner,” he stated, emphasizing that the university has a peaceful and disciplined student body, with over 2,400 students living on campus without any reports of misconduct. According to Uneke, the insinuations about inciting students were absurd and unfounded.
The Vice-Chancellor further pointed out that the hospital, which operates under the Ministry of Health, is not within his jurisdiction, and as such, he has no authority to issue a query to the CMD, as was falsely claimed. He clarified that the documents circulating had been tampered with, with only partial information being shared to mislead the public.
Uneke also refuted claims that the university had taken over hospital facilities, reiterating that TETFUND projects, including the cancer, renal, and eye centres, belong to the university as stipulated by the TETFUND Act. “TETFUND means Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Ministry of Education owns TETFUND,” Uneke said, reaffirming that no assets from the hospital had been transferred to the university.
The Vice-Chancellor also addressed the larger narrative surrounding Ebonyi State, countering claims that it was behind other states in development. He credited the progress of the state to the leadership of Governor David Umahi, who has been in office since 2015. Despite efforts by certain individuals to destabilize the institution, Uneke expressed confidence that the university would continue to thrive and uphold its mission to provide quality education and healthcare.
In closing, Uneke urged the public to disregard the false narratives being circulated and assured that the university remains focused on its goal of delivering excellent healthcare and academic services to the people of Ebonyi State and beyond.