There is tension at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, following reports that some staff were invited by the Department of State Services, DSS, over an alleged plan to stage a protest.
The protest was reportedly intended to demand transparency in the ongoing process for appointing a new Vice Chancellor, expected to be concluded next month.
Some of the affected staff, who spoke under anonymity, claimed they were warned by the DSS to desist from any actions that could threaten peace and order on campus.
They had also reportedly advocated for the appointment of an Abia indigene as the next Vice Chancellor, citing similar trends in other federal institutions.
Reacting, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ubadire Agua, denied any arrests but confirmed that security operatives invited a few staff for questioning.
He stressed that the University has duly advertised the position of Vice Chancellor and encouraged all qualified persons to apply.
Dr. Agua assured that the process remains open, fair, and guided by due process.
