Student expelled for speech and hearing challenges sues Rivers University for N20 million

28 year old Jane Ottah, an ex-student of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) has instituted a N20 million law suit against the management of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, for expelling her from the school because she has a speech and hearing challenge.

Jane, a first year student of the Department of Educational Foundation at the university, was expelled on January 30th 2015, over claims that she had speech and hearing challenges.

Jane has approached the Rivers State High Court and has instituted a N20 million suit against the school management, challenging her expulsion and also demanding a perpetual injunction restraining the university or their agents from discriminating against her in any way.

Excerpts from Jane's expulsion letter signed by RSUST's Principal Assistant Registrar(Senate), C.M. Ewhorlu, reads

“I am directed to state that during your recent medical examination in the Health Services Department, it was observed that you are medically challenged and have hearing and speech difficulties,” the university stated in a letter to Ms. Ottah signed by C.M Ewhorlu, Principal Assistant Registrar (Senate). You are therefore advised to hand over all University property(ies) in your possession to your Head of Department and thereafter leave the campus.”

The Vice Chancellor of the school, Professor Blessing Didia, had already said the school does not admit deaf and dumb students.

Hearing on the suit filed by Jane against the school comes up on February 19th, 2016.