Imo state government under the leadership of Hope Uzodinma has taken over Eastern Palm University at Ogboko in Orlu, said to be owned by former governor Rochas Okorocha.
In a statement seen by IGBERE TV, Gov. Uzodinma warned all those he called ‘fraudulent claimants’ to stay away from the university.
It said its right to ownership is based on the fact that state money was used to build the school.
It warned that if they failed to stay away, they would be made to face the full weight of the law.
They have also been reminded that the government has been empowered to deal decisively with anyone or group of persons ready to test the will of government over ownership of the University.
The Executive Council of Imo State took the decision at its weekly meeting of Wednesday, February 10, 2021, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The Council accepted the White paper Report on Land Use and Related Matters which recognises that the Eastern Palm University is owned by the state.
It therefore resolved that all necessary steps must be taken to recover the University from fraudulent claimants.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the Eastern Palm University has been accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC) as the second Imo State owned University.
The White Paper, according to the Commissioner, recommended that the University should be recovered and appropriately designated as a State University in accordance with the laid down guidelines of NUC.
Consequently, Council has directed the relevant ministries to take immediate steps to implement the decisions of the Executive Council, in accordance with the White Paper Report.
The Council noted that the university was built with Imo State tax payers money.
