The member representing Bekwara, Obanliku and Obudu Federal Constituency, Chief Peter Akpanke has laid a petition against the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, over her decision to expel 638 sudents as a result of poor cumulative Grade Points Aggregate (CGPA).
The petition was filed by some members of Hon Peter Akpanke constituency and presented on the floor of the House of Representatives by the member of parliament.
In a press statement, signed by Honorable Akpanke’s media aide, Mr Awade Friday on Thursday, the petitioners noted that the withdrawal of the 638 students from the University of Calabar (Unical) by Prof Florence Obi violated the Data Protection Act, which forbids the publication of citizens’ names on social media platforms in such a sensitive matter.
The press release reads in full:
“Earlier today, Chief Hon. Peter Akpanke, Member representing the good people of Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly presented a petition from some of his constituents on the floor of the House. The document, which is titled: “PETITION AGAINST THE MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR (UNICAL} OVER THE WITHDRAWAL OF 638 STUDENTS BY THE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMANET” and signed by Comr. Peter Ogah, Akor Joseph and Comr. Adie Maryanne, drew the attention of the House of Representatives to a publication released on social media on 25th July, 2023 indicating that 638 students from various departments in the University have been withdrawn by the Management of the University of Calabar against existing regulations contained in the Revised Students Handbook.”
“Among other grievances, the petitioners alleged that the action of the University’s Management violates the right, protected by the Data Protection Act, which forbids the publication of citizens’ names on social media platforms in such a sensitive matter. The petitioners also complained that due process was not followed in deciding the fate of the affected students.”
“Top in the list of their prayers is that the House of Representatives should direct the Management of the University of Calabar to suspend the implementation of the withdrawal policy with immediate effect. They also pray that the House should set up a committee to investigate the issues surrounding the decision of the University’s Management.”
“Chief Hon. Peter Akpanke who laid the petition before the House wishes the students well in their attempt to acquire degrees from the University of Calabar.”
