Ph.D holder employed as cleaner at Ebonyi State University, sparks outcry

Dr. Enyi Paul Onyebuchi, a 45-year-old man from Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, holds a Ph.D in Mathematics but currently works as a cleaner at Ebonyi State University—a situation that has drawn widespread criticism from many concerned citizens of the state.

During an interview concerning the matter, he confirmed that he began working at Ebonyi State University as a cleaner in 2007 with a Senior School Certificate. Over the years, he obtained official permission from the university to continue his education, which enabled him to earn his undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and eventually a Ph.D in 2022.

However, he remains a cleaner to this day, despite repeatedly presenting his original academic credentials to the school authorities in hopes of being reassigned to a role that reflects his qualifications. He appealed to both the Ebonyi State Government and compassionate Nigerians to assist him in securing a position within the university that matches his academic level, to prevent his Ph.D certificate from becoming futile.

“I am Dr. Enyi Paul Onyebuchi, I am a staff member of Ebonyi State University. I was employed as a cleaner. I was still young when I was employed. I was employed as a cleaner because of the condition of things. But decided within myself that I would not remain like this till I retire, which made me further my education.”

“We wrote an exam for conversion, and they played a game with it. They said that some of us failed, but when some dignitaries intervened and asked them to provide the answer script, they refused to bring it out. They refused to give us our real mark, they played a political game. Up till now, there is nothing like conversion. There is respect and dignity attached to having a Ph.D, but unfortunately, it looks as if I wasted the money I would have used for another thing.”

“I got my Ph.D in 2022; I did my final defence on 3rd Nov.2022. I am in the hands of God; whatever they want to do, let them do. I dropped the certificate and started hustling, one must not feed only on education. If the Government feels like placing me where I am supposed to be, it’s good. But if they refused, I can’t kill myself, I will continue to hustle.

“My expectation from the government is to place me in the rightful place. I think it is high time they gave me what belongs to me. I am supposed to be a lecturer, not a cleaner.”

“Even my HOD wrote, recommending me for conversion, but reaching the Vice Chancellor’s office, it was ignored. All my original certificates, including the Ph.D, were attached and submitted, but it was a game of who knows who. I am just praying to God, it’s left for Him to do His own.”

When the Public Relations Officer of Ebonyi State University, Mr. Patrick Itumo, was approached for a statement on the matter, he expressed shock over the situation, noting that the university had recently finalized the conversion process, which many staff members had taken part in.

However, he claimed to be unaware of whether Dr. Enyi was among the applicants or the reasons behind his failure to secure conversion. He encouraged Dr. Enyi to address his concerns by writing to the University Registrar or Vice Chancellor, assuring that the issue would be examined.

“Well I don’t know about it, I am surprised to hear this. It has not been long University management concluded everything about conversion, and many people applied for it, but I don’t know whether he applied for it. If he applied for it, I don’t know why he didn’t pass the exam.”

“Let him write a letter to the vice chancellor or registrar, indicating all these things and also come to our office. Give him my phone number, let’s know what the issue is.”