Lecturers accuse UB Vice-Chancellor of witch-hunting colleagues

Lecturers of the University of Buea acting under the National Union of Teachers of Higher Education, SYNES-UB chapter, have accused the Vice-Chancellor Nalova Lyonga of engaging in persistent misinformation in issues that involve lecturers in attempts to smear their good names.

“We forward herewith, a press statement by SYNES-UB Chapter on the persistent misinformation, disinformation and deliberate falsehood embarked on by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea with the intention of destroying the career of two of her severest critics,” an email from the secretariat of SYNES-UB Chapter read in part.

SYNES-UB officials say gone are the days when senior colleagues could trump up charges against junior ones simply because they have monopoly of power or claimed to represent the government.

“…The recent happenings on campus have established a new creed, that the administrative version is no longer the ideal, especially when it is riddled with half-truths, hearsays, manipulations and unfounded gossip,” the SYNES statement reads.

The lecturers justified their claim with the case of Sango Martin, a UB lecturer who had allegedly complained to hierarchy that two students tried to bribe him through a third party. They described Sango’s as a clear case of witch-hunting in the institution.

Instead of tracking the accused students and discouraging such practices, SYNES holds that “the Department, Faculty and Vice-Chancellor colluded to disregard it either because the plaintiff had decried the ‘bakwerinization’ of the University, or the students who attempted to bribe him were sent by officials.”

“We of SYNES-UB Chapter reiterate our support for Dr. Sango Martin and Dr. Richard Agbor whose views make them the target of a wild witch-hunt by the Vice-Chancellor.” The release states.

It continues; “About two months ago, Mrs. Ngeve revealed to Dr. Agbor that at a caucus meeting, “he could not be recommended for appointment because he has too many Graffi friends.” He denounced this pettiness and eventually wrote to hierarchy about it. Dr. Sango also recently decried what he called “the Bakwerinisation of the University.” These amorphous accusations are the Vice- Chancellor’s attempt to get back at these two historians.”

The lecturers have said that dialogue remain the crucible within which peace, mutual understanding and development can evolve. “SYNES-UB deplores the idea of tracking down teachers to satisfy vengeful egos. We also deplore the strategy of double standards and selective justice whereby it is the Vice-Chancellor who decides which case should go before a Disciplinary Committee.”

The lecturers say if ever a disciplinary committee is set up in UB, it should be able to address several irregularities plaguing the university.

Sango Martin and Enoh Richard, two lecturers of the Department of History of the University are accused of dishing out unorthodox discipline on two students.