Meru University to reopen on Wednesday, VC Odhiambo reinstated

The Meru University of Science and Technology has announced that it will reinstate its suspended Vice-Chancellor (VC) Romanus Odhiambo by end of Tuesday.

This follows an order from Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu that Prof. Odhiambo be returned to office and the university be reopened to pave way for a graduation ceremony on Saturday.

A statement from the University's governing council chairperson Bosire Mwebi said the choice to appoint an acting Vice Chancellor has been rescinded and Prof. Odhiambo will be returning to office.

"The Council will facilitate Prof. Odhiambo's immediate resumption of office before close of business on 7th March, 2023," he said.

Mwebi says that after consultations with the Education ministry, the university will reopen its gates to students by Wednesday, March 8 to resume normal operations.

Mwebi also urged members of the University Community "to remain calm and to support the University leadership in the discharge of its mandate."

Prof. Odhiambo was sent on terminal leave by the governing council on grounds that he was not able to meet his expected target on his delegated duties hence the council’s resolution on not renewing his contract.

This, according to CS Machogu, sparked a student riot witnessed on Monday which led to the university's indefinite closure.