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.