Bayelsa Governor Orders Expulsion of Cultists from State University

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has ordered the expulsion of cultists from Niger Delta University while unveiling major development projects and celebrating the graduation of over 6,500 students at the institution’s convocation.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has issued a firm directive to eliminate cultism at the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Amassoma. Addressing students during the institution’s 7th combined convocation ceremony, Governor Diri warned cult members to voluntarily withdraw or face immediate expulsion.

He instructed the Vice Chancellor and university management to identify and expel any student involved in cult-related activities. This strong stance follows a string of violent incidents reportedly linked to cult rivalries within the university community.

“I’m calling on those who didn’t come here to learn and build character to leave on their own. There will be zero tolerance for cultism. I have charged the Vice Chancellor and all security agencies—any student involved must face sanctions,” the governor declared.

Governor Diri reiterated similar directives earlier in the week to security operatives and the state’s Attorney-General, demanding swift prosecution of cult-related offenses.

Development Commitments

Highlighting progress, the governor commissioned key projects, including a 5,000-seater convocation arena and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building. These, he said, are part of a 25-year development roadmap to elevate the university’s standards.

The new Faculty complex features:

24 classrooms
18 design studios
6 modeling studios
6 laboratories/workshops
A 300-seat lecture theatre

“We’re committed to making NDU a model institution that meets National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation and regulatory standards,” Governor Diri added.

Vice Chancellor’s Remarks

Vice Chancellor Prof. Allen Agih, in his first convocation address, expressed gratitude for his appointment and commended the governor’s dedication. He announced that 6,536 students graduated:

5,726 with Bachelor’s degrees (including 69 First Class honours)
810 postgraduate students, including:
- 16 professional diplomas
- 191 postgraduate diplomas
- 458 Master’s degrees

University’s Evolving Role

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Matthew Seiyefa noted NDU’s growing contribution to national development, emphasizing its relevance in addressing climate change and driving economic diversification through knowledge.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by: