Breaking: University of Africa Alumni Association Suspends Executive President Over Alleged Financial and Constitutional Breaches

The University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) Alumni Association has announced the suspension of its Executive President, Mr. Koufa Samuel Akpoabo-Owei, following allegations of financial misconduct and constitutional violations.

The decision was reached during a physical meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. According to the Association, the motion for suspension was formally raised by the National Secretary, Mr. Jacob James Ebipre, and seconded by the National Financial Secretary, Mr. Dike Charles Izibeya, before being adopted by the NEC.

Sources within the Association disclosed that the suspension followed multiple complaints bordering on mismanagement of funds, unauthorized withdrawals, unapproved borrowing, and disregard for constitutional procedures. The NEC also accused the suspended president of restricting financial officers from receiving bank alerts and unilaterally initiating an illegal constitutional amendment process.

In a public notice, the Association warned stakeholders, institutions, and the general public to cease all official dealings with Mr. Akpoabo-Owei on behalf of the Alumni Association pending the outcome of investigations by an Ad-Hoc Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which is expected to be constituted shortly.

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The development has sparked conversations among alumni and stakeholders, as the Association emphasized its commitment to financial transparency, constitutional supremacy, and institutional accountability.

Below is the full press release issued by the University of Africa, Toru-Orua Alumni Association:

UNIVERSITY OF AFRICA, TORU-ORUA, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

PRESS RELEASE

SUSPENSION OF THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT, MR. KOUFA SAMUEL AKPOABO-OWEI

Following a Physical Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) Alumni Association, held on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, at D & Dees Bar, NIT Etegwe, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the NEC hereby announces the suspension of Mr. Koufa Samuel Akpoabo-Owei from his position as Executive President of the Association.

The decision was reached through a formal motion raised by Mr. Jacob James Ebipre (National Secretary) and seconded by Mr. Dike Charles Izibeya (National Financial Secretary). The motion was adopted by the NEC.

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION

The suspension is premised on the following grave allegations and constitutional violations:

1. Mismanagement and Misappropriation of Association Funds
   Findings and complaints presented before the NEC indicate persistent financial irregularities and a lack of transparency in the handling of UAT Alumni Association funds.

2. Unauthorized Withdrawal and Expenditure of Funds
   Repeated withdrawals and spending from the Association’s Globus Bank account without prior NEC approval, in direct violation of Article 10, Section 5 (Disbursement of Funds) of the Constitution, which mandates that:

• All disbursements must be expressly authorized by the Executive Committee.

• Expenditures must align strictly with the approved budget.

• All expenses must be supported by original receipts and written approval.

• Any unauthorized expenditure attracts restitution, legal penalties, and disciplinary action.

3. Unauthorized Borrowing and Loan Collection
   The NEC observed that Comr. Koufa Samuel unilaterally engaged in borrowing and collection of loans, including interest, from himself and other individuals without the knowledge or approval of the NEC.
   This action contravenes Article 10, Section 8 (Subsections 8.1 – 8.4), which strictly regulates borrowing and lending by the Association and expressly prohibits any individual NEC member from undertaking such actions without constitutional authorization and general membership approval.

4. Restriction of Financial Officers from Account Alerts
   The deliberate exclusion of the National Financial Secretary and National Treasurer from receiving debit and credit alerts on the Association’s bank account, contrary to constitutional provisions and standard financial accountability practices.

5. Illegal Constitution Amendment Process
   The unilateral formation of an unauthorized Constitutional Amendment and Review Committee without NEC notice or approval.

6. Denial of the Supremacy of the Constitution
   Openly disputing and denying the validity of the UAT Alumni Association Constitution as a legally binding document, contrary to Article 14 (Special Clauses and Dispute/Conflict Resolution), which affirms the Constitution as the supreme governing document of the Association.

PUBLIC NOTICE

In view of the foregoing, the general public, stakeholders, institutions, and partners are hereby advised to discontinue all official engagements, transactions, or representations with Mr. Koufa Samuel Akpoabo-Owei on behalf of the UAT Alumni Association, pending the outcome of investigations by an Ad-Hoc Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which shall be constituted shortly.

ATTENDANCE

The meeting was attended both physically and virtually by the following NEC members:

• Koufa Samuel Akpoabo-Owei – Executive President

• Marine Dauebifemere Happiness – National Vice President

• Jacob James Ebipre – National Secretary

• Avina Selekodudu – National Assistant Secretary

• Dike Charles Izibeya – National Financial Secretary

• Tito Tari – National Treasurer

• Abinayam Raphael – National Public Relations Officer

• Noble Tamunosa Achebe-Brown – Welfare Officer

• Awipi Pius Lambert – National Auditor

• Oyindiepreye Peter Ayama – National Provost

It should be on record that Mr. Koufa Samuel ceased the attendance sheet of the meeting for his personal benefit and aims.

SIGNED

Marine Dauebifemere Happiness – National Vice President
Jacob James Ebipre – National Secretary
Dike Charles Izibeya – National Financial Secretary
Abinayam Raphael – National Public Relations Officer
Noble Tamunosa Achebe-Brown – Welfare Officer
Ikiyotua Kelvin Soroghaye – National Director of Socials
Awipi Pius Lambert – National Auditor

CC:
Vice-Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Registrar, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Director, DEAL, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Bursar, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Director of ICT, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
Information Unit, University of Africa, Toru-Orua