Computer students at Bermuda College may fail to graduate this year after their expatriate lecturer had his work permit mysteriously pulled without notice.

College president Dr. Michael Orenduff last night said he was attempting to persuade the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs to delay the revocation until the end of May to allow the students to finish their courses on time.

He said teacher Jeffrey Fino - who was only six months through a three-year permit - had very specialised, highly technical computer science qualifications that could not be replaced at short notice.

"His work permit has been revoked - I don't know the reason because I have not been told the reason," Dr. Orenduff said last night.

"We respect the Minister's decision - that's his call, not ours - but our concern is for our students.

"It's extremely unlikely that we would get someone else with this narrow expertise. It could prevent some of our students from graduating in May, but there are also many other students who would lose out."

About six students could fail to graduate in May without Mr. Fino's tuition and a further 71 are missing his lessons and course work, which could ultimately damage their grades.

Mr. Fino and the college were informed on Friday that he was to stop teaching at the college immediately, and was to leave the Island by February 3.

The letters were sent before Christmas, however, they were not received until late because of the holidays.

The Royal Gazette has been led to believe that differences in personality between Mr. Fino and some of the staff of the college's Information Services Department may have led to the decision from Immigration.

It is believed someone at the college wrote to Immigration alleging that Mr. Fino had been acting outside of his work permit by taking on some managerial responsibility.

However, both Mr. Fino and Dr. Orenduff strongly denied that last night.

The college and the lecturer were sent letters by Immigration last summer raising concerns about the allegation, and Dr. Orenduff was interviewed by officials soon after about the issue.

The president said he answered the questions, but then heard nothing more until last week.

He said he did not know if the revocation was linked to the allegation.

Dr. Orenduff said last night that Mr. Fino had offered advice and recommendations relating to computer science on a number of occasions, but no more than would be expected of any faculty member.

"I didn't ask him for advice, but I accept advice from all of our faculty, both Bermudians and those on work permits," added the college president.

"It's part of the functioning of the institution for people to participate. The faculty don't just teach, they engage in debates and advise on things.

"My own opinion is that Mr. Fino was working in the normal parameters. We have had no problems with him - nothing relating to the college, as far as I know.

"But like I say, I don't know why his work permit has been revoked, and for me to comment on the reason would be purely speculation."

Dr. Orenduff said he had tried to speak to Labour and Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister, but had been unable to reach him yesterday.

However, he said he only wanted to see the revocation of the work permit delayed - he was not appealing the decision.

He added: "I'm more concerned about the students. We are asking the Minister to delay the implementation so that we will not disadvantage our students, and, if we can hold off until the end of the semester, then we will try to find someone else to take his place in the Fall."

Dr. Orenduff said although there were other computer teachers at the college, they did not have Mr. Fino's particular expertise.

Mr. Fino, from Pennsylvania in the US, said he did not know why his work permit had been pulled but said he had not taken on managerial responsibility at the college.

He is believed to be appealing the decision.

He said: "All the college wants to do is at least ask for an extension to allow me to teach until May, so I could at least see the students through.

"Every hour I don't teach, these students are being damaged."

The Royal Gazette was unable to reach Mr. Lister for comment last night.