Professor Andrew Efemini, a professor of Philosophy in the University of Portharcourt has cried out against the inhumane treatment meted on him by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Portharcourt.
The professor who was also the former dean of student affairs of the University wrote of his experiences on the social media platform, Facebook.
He said that the suspension handed him by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor. Ndowa Lale, because of allegations that he was involved in a students’ related protest by the students of the University, was to last only 3 months but has now passed 5 months and is affecting his well-being.
He said that he had contemplated suicide on several occasions with suicide notes kept for Nigerians on how not to treat a professor but decided against it because of his family.
He equally asked the students of the University to rise and support his survival.
The post read:
“The I AM NOW A DESTITUTE
Having survived five months as against the statutory three months of suspension, I am left with no option but to inform the public that I now need financial support to continue to survive.
I have informed the university in writing that as a diabetic and hypertensive patient, my life is threatened by the cut of my salary as a result of my suspension from duty due to allegations over students related agitations over fee policies of the university of Port Harcourt”
I have contemplated suicide severally with a suicide message for the Nigerian people on how a Professor or anybody at that should not be treated. I hope the university of Port Harcourt will take note of this paragraph.
I see people who are supposed to be my friends pass me everyday unconcerned about how I survive. May be that is human nature.
Not even the Union ASUU has shown concern about my life threatening conditions. The Union where I was branch chairman for five years. Strange things happen.
Please, concerned Nigerians should come to my aid. I need at least N50,000 each month to buy my insulin alone. I also buy other drugs. I have a family to also run.
Please don’t ignore this post. It is my last effort to stay alive. People who think that speaking for students is a crime must be put to shame”