The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has responded to a growing wave of public concern following revelations that a man with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is working as a cleaner within the institution’s premises.
The man, identified as Dr. Emmanuel Ogbonna, reportedly holds a doctorate in Environmental Management and has been working as a contract staff cleaner at the university for several months. His story went viral after a student posted a photo of him sweeping a faculty corridor, sparking debate on social media about the country’s employment crisis and the underutilization of intellectual talent.
In a press statement released Thursday, EBSU’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Felicia Nwafor, confirmed that Dr. Ogbonna is indeed engaged as a sanitation worker under a third-party facility management company contracted by the university.
“We are aware of the situation involving Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonna. While it is unfortunate that a highly educated individual is serving in this capacity, it’s important to clarify that he was not employed directly by the university, nor has he applied for any academic position with us,” the statement read.
Mrs. Nwafor further explained that academic recruitment at EBSU is conducted in line with university guidelines and national regulations, adding that qualified candidates are encouraged to apply when vacancies are advertised.
The revelation has sparked wider conversation across academic circles and public forums. The Ebonyi State chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) described the situation as “a reflection of Nigeria’s distorted priorities,” urging both state and federal governments to confront the issue of graduate underemployment.
“It is deeply troubling that someone who has reached the pinnacle of academic achievement is left with no better option than janitorial work,” said ASUU Chairperson, Dr. Ifeanyi Ude, in a phone interview. “It speaks volumes about how poorly we value intellectual capital in this country.”
Dr. Ogbonna, who has remained largely out of the media spotlight, was briefly approached by journalists but declined an interview, saying he hopes for a “dignified opportunity to contribute meaningfully” in his field.
In response to the backlash, EBSU management stated it is “open to reviewing any applications from qualified candidates, including Dr. Ogbonna, should he formally express interest.”
The incident has reignited calls for a national dialogue on youth unemployment, recruitment bottlenecks in academia, and the need to align educational output with economic realities.
source: authorityngr.com
