Highbury College principal Stella Mbubaegbu's £150,000 expenses above board, college says

Last summer Stella Mbubaegbu CBE, 64, revealed she would be leaving her post at Highbury College in Portsmouth after more than 19 years in the job.

But now the principal and chief executive has informed the college board she will leave at the end of April.

It comes after FEWeek obtained freedom of information data that showed Ms Mbubaegbu claimed expenses on luxury headphones, first-class flights abroad and dinner at Michelin star restaurants.

In an official announcement, the college said: ‘Following whistleblowing allegations suggesting wrongdoing by Stella, over a year ago the corporation commissioned a thorough and independent investigation.

‘The investigation concluded that Stella had, throughout acted in accordance with extant college policies and procedures, and with the approval of the college chair at the time.’

Martin Doel, the interim chairman of Highbury College, has also thanked Ms Mbubaegbu for her years of service at the college.

Announcing her new retirement date, she said: ‘I am enormously proud of all that we have achieved together at the college, and in particular the success of our students and staff.

‘You have inspired, challenged and motivated me to do better and I wish every one of you continued future success.

‘I have now decided that I will leave on April 30 2020, in order that the college can accelerate its plans to recruit an appropriate successor to my role. Until then I will work remotely to facilitate an effective handover to the new leadership.’

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