1200 graduands vs UNIPORT management: Appeal Court fixes date for hearing

Tina Amanda

An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed 11th December, for hearing on the appeal filed by the University of Port Harcourt, against the judgment of a Federal High Court, which ordered the University Management to issue certificates to one thousand two hundred (1,200) graduands of the institution.

The one thousand two hundred graduands had won a case in the Federal High Court against the school management, on the policy of no fee no exam, which the court declared as unlawful.

The matter was slated for hearing today but was stalled as the court did not sit for a pertinent reason, and the court later fixed 11th December for hearing.

Speaking to our reporter, Tina Amanda, Counsel to the Respondents, KINGDOM CHUKWUEZI, said what the graduands are asking for is a settlement, in order to move forward with their lives.

“We have always indicated interest that settlement is the way forward, these students have remained stranded as we speak, they are not in youth service, they are not been employed. In fact they cannot even get employment because there is nothing to show they are graduate. I have also heard about a few incidences of suicide attempts and I keep encouraging them not to harm themselves, we have faith and trust in the judiciary system and Justice will come at last.

“We are still asking the University Management to consider its decision to settle this matter with these students in the interest of their future and Nigeria”

On his part, Counsel to the University of Port Harcourt, EMEKA NJOKU, said they have sent in their brief and filed all the necessary applications while waiting for the appeal court’s decision.

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