Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday issued a strong ultimatum to students involved in cult activities at the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, warning that those found guilty must withdraw voluntarily or face immediate expulsion.
Addressing the 7th Combined Convocation ceremony of NDU, Governor Diri directed the Vice Chancellor and university management to identify and dismiss any student engaged in cultism, following recent violent cult clashes in the community that reportedly led to loss of lives.
This is the second stern warning from the governor in a week. On Wednesday, during the state executive council meeting, he also instructed security agencies and the Attorney-General to expedite prosecution of individuals involved in cult-related offenses across the state.
“There should be no room for cultism in this university,” Governor Diri declared. “I have charged the Vice Chancellor, as Visitor to this institution, and all security agencies to enforce strict sanctions on anyone found involved in cult activities.”
The governor emphasized that universities are places for character building and learning, not violence and intimidation.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to educational development, Governor Diri marked the convocation by flagging off key projects including the groundbreaking of a 5,000-seater convocation arena and a new Faculty of Environmental Sciences building. These facilities, he said, demonstrate the government’s resolve to provide a conducive learning environment and meet accreditation standards set by the National Universities Commission and other regulatory bodies.
READ ALSO: Gov Diri Pays Tribute to Late Adaka Boro, Urges Unity, Youth Reform
“Twenty-five years after its establishment by the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha administration, our government is committed to shaping the next 25 years of this pioneer institution,” he said. “The Faculty of Environmental Science complex includes 24 classrooms, 18 design studios, 6 modeling studios, 6 workshops/laboratories, and a state-of-the-art lecture theatre with 300 seats.”
Prof. Allen Agih, NDU’s 5th Vice Chancellor, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for his appointment and noted the impressive graduation of 6,536 students during the ceremony. Among them were 5,726 bachelor’s degree recipients, including 69 First Class honours, and 810 higher degree graduates spanning professional diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, and master’s degrees.
Pro-Chancellor Dr. Matthew Seiyefa praised NDU for producing a skilled workforce and fostering innovative ideas critical for addressing climate change and economic diversification.
The convocation event was attended by Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Federal House of Representatives member Dr. Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere, state PDP Chairman Solomon Agwana, Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Akpe, cabinet members, and other dignitaries.