Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa state, has warned against cult-related activities at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw LGA.

The governor’s directive came during the institution’s 7th combined convocation ceremony on Friday, following recent reports of violent cult clashes during the school’s examination period.

The clashes allegedly claimed the lives of three students.

Diri ordered Allen Agih, the institution’s vice chancellor, to take decisive action against cultism, including expelling any student found culpable.

The governor also emphasised that the university is a place for learning and character development, not for cultism.

Diri had previously directed security agencies to prosecute anyone arrested for cult-related offenses.

“Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university. May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw,” he said.

“There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government, I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, do not hesitate to apply the sanctions.”

The governor also assured the institution’s management of his commitment to shape NDU for the next 25 years.

On his part, Agih announced that 6,536 graduates participated in the convocation ceremony. This included 5,726 bachelor’s degree recipients, with 69 earning first-class honours.

He added that 810 higher degree graduates were recognised, comprising 16 professional diplomas, 191 postgraduate diplomas, and 458 master’s degrees.