In a surprising turn of events, the Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has suspended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Angba, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Governing Council held on Monday, May 6, 2024, where they voted to relieve Angba of his duties with immediate effect.

The council has appointed Professor Stephen Oshang from the Faculty of Agriculture to serve as the acting Vice-Chancellor until further notice.

The suspension comes on the heels of a vote-of-no-confidence passed by some staff members of the university on January 17, 2024.

The staff who was protesting the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears, had carried placards with slogans like “This Management and the VC must go” and “We don’t want them any longer.”

Angba had previously criticized the staff unions, claiming that four members had hijacked the union and incited others to protest on the streets.

However, the Governing Council’s decision suggests that they found merit in the allegations against the embattled Vice-Chancellor.

Despite several attempts, Vanguard efforts to reach the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Onen Onen, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not answered at the time of filing this report.

Similarly, Professor Angba’s phone line was busy when contacted. (Vanguard)