Tension mounts over ownership of Eastern University

Tension is mounting between Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and his kinsmen from Orlu on the one hand, and between the Orlu people and the legislative arm in the state on the other, over the proposed law on the equity holding of Eastern Palm University (EPU) located in Okorocha’s village of Ogboko in Orlu.

EPU was established by Law No. 13 of 2016 of Imo State and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2016. The university, a Public/Private Partnership (PPP) model, aims to be a world class university anchored on excellence and research needs of all relevant persons, irrespective of gender, nationality, religion or political inclination.

However, the concept of a private/public partnership in the law setting up the university is a subject of controversy. More controversial is a proposed law by the Imo State House of Assembly which tends to give 90 per cent equity holding to the governor of the state and 10 per cent to the state government.

At the centre of a looming legal battle is the Orlu Elders’ Council (OEC), where the governor hails from and the state legislature.

Daily Trust, June 21, 2018

 

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