Education CS Machogu order reinstatement of Meru University VC Prof. Romanus Odhiambo after students’ protest
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has ordered the reinstatement of Meru University Vice Chancellor (VC) Romanus Odhiambo after he was sent on terminal leave by the university council.
Through a statement, Machogu observed that the council did not follow due procedure in resolving his termination and that the move is the cause of the violent students’ protest.
According to CS Machogu, the suspension of the university’s anticipated 10th graduation ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, March 11 also triggered the unrest.
“The decision is ill-timed because it was made a few days to the scheduled graduation ceremony of 11th March, 2023, with the obvious consequence that it would undermine the preparations for the imminent event and destroy the hopes of graduands to transit into the world of work immediately,” he said.
He ordered for his reinstatement by close of business today and also affirmed that the scheduled graduation ceremony would take place.
“The University Council is directed to facilitate Prof. Odhiambo’s resumption of office as Vice-Chancellor with immediate effect,” he said.
The university council has also been ordered to reopen and resume normal operations not later than Wednesday, March 8.
The university council stated that the VC’s termination was occasioned by his failure to meet targeted expectations hence the termination of his contract.
The university issued a notice informing students of an indefinite closure of the institution and cancellation of the planned graduation ceremony.
