Prof. Osegbue Challenges Suspension from COOU in Court

Prof. Chike Osegbue, a professor of Political Science at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Igbariam, Anambra State, has approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to challenge his suspension by the university management. Osegbue, a prominent candidate in the recent Vice Chancellor selection process, is seeking to have his suspension set aside and is demanding damages of N2.62 billion from the Vice Chancellor and other officials.

His suspension, which took effect in January 2026, was based on allegations that he failed to teach the course Pol/PSC.811: Environmental Politics and Sustainable Development to postgraduate students. The suit, marked NICN/AWK/30/2026, includes defendants such as the university, its Governing Council, and several faculty members.

During a court session, Osegbue's counsel requested the court to determine the validity of the students involved and argued that the disciplinary actions against him were unlawful. The presiding judge, Hon. Justice John Targema, granted an application for the respondents to file out of time and adjourned the case to November 24, 2026, for further hearing.