Desist from Cultism or be Expelled, Duoye Diri Warns Niger Delta University Students
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has warned students of the Niger Delta University (NDU) to desist from cult activities or face expulsion.
This directive comes on the heels of recent cult-related violence that claimed the lives of three graduates in the state.
Speaking at the university’s seventh combined convocation ceremony, Governor Diri charged the Vice Chancellor, Prof Allen Agih, to identify and expel any student found engaging in cultism.
He emphasized that universities should be a place for character development and learning, not a breeding ground for cult activities.
This is the second time in a week that Governor Diri has spoken out against cultism, having earlier directed security agencies and the Attorney-General to speed up the prosecution of those arrested for cult-related crimes.
The governor also expressed his commitment to supporting the university, which was established 25 years ago by the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha administration.
He inaugurated a 5,000-seater convocation arena and a Faculty of Environmental Sciences building, demonstrating his government’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to academic excellence.
Prof Agih, who was presiding over his first convocation ceremony as Vice Chancellor, thanked Governor Diri for his appointment and announced that 6,536 graduands were participating in the ceremony, including 69 First Class honours recipients.
The Pro Chancellor, Dr Matthew Seiyefa, noted that the university had made significant contributions to the state’s growth and development, producing a robust knowledge base that would drive economic diversification and climate change mitigation efforts.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Representative Dr Fred Agbedi, and Chief of Staff Dr Peter Akpe, among others. Governor Diri’s administration has pledged to ensure that the university’s facilities meet accreditation standards set by regulatory bodies, paving the way for a brighter future for the institution.
