By Dr Wole Balogun
Special Adviser (Media) to the Vice-Chancellor
A wave of jubilation swept through the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) this week as staff members received generous Christmas gifts from the administration led by Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. The seasonal cheer was marked by cash bonuses and festive food items distributed to all categories of staff, underscoring the university’s commitment to their welfare.
Each staff member had their accounts credited with a modest sum of money, alongside a well-fed broiler chicken provided by the university’s farm, under the supervision of the farm manager, Dr Opeyemi Osundare.
Expressing their heartfelt gratitude, staff members took to FUOYE’s social media platforms to commend the Vice-Chancellor, the management team, and the Governing Council for their generosity.
Professor Atilade Adeeyo, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, lauded the initiative, stating, “FUOYE is the only known public university in Southwest Nigeria where Christmas gifts are given to staff. This underscores our leadership in staff welfare and other aspects of management excellence.”
Dr (Mrs) Deborah Alabi added her voice, saying, “On behalf of the entire FUOYE staff, I extend our profound gratitude to our amiable Vice-Chancellor for the Christmas chicken and the bonus credited to our accounts. This will make a significant difference to our festive celebrations. Sir, you are deeply appreciated. May you always triumph, in Jesus’ name. More wins!”
Dr Joseph Odumosu also expressed appreciation, noting, “We are extremely grateful to the Vice-Chancellor for this kind gesture and exemplary leadership. May success always follow you, sir.” Other staff echoed similar sentiments, punctuating the messages with emojis of gratitude and approval.
Speaking with the university’s media team, Dr Osundare explained the logistics of the distribution, which began on Monday, 2 December, and will continue until Friday, 6 December 2024.
“As of Wednesday, 4 December, over 2,000 broilers have been distributed to staff. The initiative, part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas welfare package, began in September 2024, when thousands of broilers were raised on the university farm specifically for this purpose,” he said.
He further highlighted other contributions of the university farm, a hallmark of Professor Fasina’s administration, which regularly supplies affordable eggs, granulated cassava (garri), pork, beef, chicken, and palm oil to staff and students.
“After the current distribution of broilers, the management will also offer layers chickens at reduced prices to staff and the host communities, reinforcing the farm’s role in fostering sustainable welfare initiatives,” he added.
FUOYE staff, 2,800 in total, are beneficiaries of this year’s Christmas welfare package, cementing the university’s reputation as a pioneer in staff engagement and care.
The festive gesture has further endeared the Vice-Chancellor to the university community, setting a standard for excellence and compassion in leadership.
