Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, has warned students involved in cult activities at the Niger Delta University (NDU) to withdraw from the institution or face expulsion.
The governor issued the warning during the NDU 7th Combined Convocation ceremony.
Governor Diri emphasised that universities were meant for character building and learning, not cultism.
“Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university.
”May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw,” he said.
The governor directed the Vice Chancellor and security agencies to apply sanctions to anyone found engaging in cultism.
“There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government.
”I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, they should not hesitate to apply the sanctions,” he said.
Governor Diri assured the institution that his government would contribute to shaping its narrative for the next 25 years.
He disclosed that his administration had commenced the construction of a 5,000-seater convocation arena and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building.
The governor also assured that facilities in the institution would adhere to accreditation standards set by the National Universities Commission and relevant regulatory boards.
“As I reflect on this momentous occasion, my joy is indeed amplified by the knowledge that, as a government, we are in our modest way actively contributing to the narrative that will shape the next 25 years in the institution,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Allen Agih, thanked the governor for his appointment and noted that 6,536 graduates participated in the ceremony.
The Pro Chancellor, Dr Matthew Seiyefa, highlighted the institution’s contributions to growth and development, citing its role in navigating climate change and economic diversification.
