By Otitoju Femi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), on Friday, March 27, 2026, hosted members of the National Leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to a breakfast meeting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote industrial harmony within the Nigerian university system.
The event, held at Eleventh House Hotel, brought together the leadership of SSANU, who were in Ekiti State for their National Executive Council meeting at Ekiti State University (EKSU), and the management of FUOYE, which saw it as an avenue for cordial engagement aimed at fostering mutual understanding and partnership.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, described the gathering as both symbolic and strategic, reflecting the university’s commitment to building bridges across institutions.
“It would not have been proper for us to know that the SSANU National Executive Council was in Ekiti State without extending our hospitality,” he said. “We may not be able to offer you our traditional delicacy of pounded yams this morning, but we trust that you will accept what we have provided with love.”
Professor Ogunwole used the occasion to acknowledge the university’s past challenges while affirming a new direction focused on unity and progress.
Prof. Ogunwole went on, “You must have heard about developments in FUOYE in the past,” he noted. “Indeed, someone once remarked that all they knew about the university was the crisis. However, we are in a new era. This administration is determined to reposition FUOYE through unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for progress.”
Drawing inspiration from the third stanza of the Nigerian National Anthem, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for inclusiveness and fairness.
“O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request;
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed…”
He explained that the message aligns with FUOYE’s renewed commitment to peace and institutional transformation.
“We are consciously working to create an environment where no one is oppressed and where harmony and mutual respect prevail. FUOYE is undergoing a cultural shift from a narrative of crisis to one of peace, friendship, and collaboration. We are building a university that will attract men and women of excellence, and I assure you that peace will reign in FUOYE, including within the SSANU branch”
The Vice-Chancellor further described unions as critical stakeholders in university administration.
In his words, “Unions are meant to keep management on its toes; they serve as watchdogs. Our responsibility is to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and transparency in governance. We are committed to accountability and inclusive administration,” he added.
Responding, the National President of SSANU who also doubles as the National Joint Action Congress, JAC 2, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for what he described as a rare and commendable gesture.
“On behalf of SSANU, I sincerely appreciate this warm reception. When I first heard of the Vice-Chancellor’s presence in Abuja, I simply asked that he be greeted on my behalf, largely because of the negative narratives I had previously heard about FUOYE,” he said. “However, experiences, whether good or bad, offlearning opportunitiesing. I congratulate the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment, which I believe is divinely ordained.”
Reflecting on his prior engagements with the university, he expressed optimism about its future under the current leadership.
“I have had prior experience with FUOYE during a verification exercise, and I am aware of its past and present realities. I must say that you have started well, and I pray that Almighty Allah guides you to succeed,” he stated.
Comrade Ibrahim stressed the importance of effective communication and feedback in leadership.
“Communication and good relationships are essential, but feedback is even more critical. Without feedback, communication cannot be complete. It helps us evaluate whether our actions are effective or require adjustment,” he said.
Ibrahim also advised the Vice-Chancellor to adopt a proactive leadership style.
“Write your own history and build the right partnerships. Universities exist because of students, but they thrive through the collaboration of all stakeholders. Do not rely on rumours; move around and see things for yourself. This is what we call management by walking around, especially at critical periods such as this,” he advised.
Assuring the university of SSANU’s support, he highlighted the association’s pool of professionals.
“As long as you remain committed to staff welfare and institutional growth, SSANU will cooperate fully. Our association comprises professors, engineers, accountants, and other professionals who are ready to contribute to the success of FUOYE,” he said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman of SSANU, FUOYE Branch, Comrade Benjamin Faleye, expressed appreciation to God and commended the university management for the initiative.
“We thank God for making this gathering possible. Mr Vice-Chancellor, you have started on a good note, and we are confident you will finish well,” Comrade Faleye said
He reiterated the union’s commitment to sustaining peace within the institution.
“We are already witnessing a new atmosphere of peace in FUOYE. SSANU will continue to partner with management. The era of conflict is behind us; this is the time for dialogue and collaboration,” he added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, described SSANU leaders, particularly Comrade Abdussobor Salaam, as experienced crisis managers who have contributed significantly to stabilising challenging situations.
“In systems like ours, misunderstandings can easily arise. However, with mature leadership and open dialogue, such challenges can be resolved. Today’s gathering is a testament to how far we have come,” he said.
He further assured stakeholders of management’s commitment to sustaining peace and driving development.
“When there is a crisis, progress is hindered.
Today, we are sharing ideas and even a meal together, something that was not possible in the past. We recognise that leadership is not without mistakes, but with constructive engagement, we can continue to improve. We are partners in progress,” he added.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of an Associate Membership of SSANU on the Vice-Chancellor. In the same vein, the university’s Registrar, Alhaji Mufutau Ibrahim, and the Bursar, Dr Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna, were honoured by the SSANU President
Other FUOYE officials present at the meeting included: Professor Joshua Omotosho; Professor Babatunde Afolabi; Alhaji Mufutau Ibrahim (Registrar); Professor Aderibigbe Adebola (Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor); Professor Ayodele Fajimi (Head of Ikole Campus); Mrs. O. Koyejo Fasakin (Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office); Dr SUnday Saanu (Director of Public Affairs and Communication).
Other members of the SSANU National in attendance included: Comrade Ijeoma B. Kalu (National Women Coordinator, South-West); Comrade Dr Egberegbe T. Taiwo (National Ex-Officio); Comrade Mohammed Jimoh (National Financial Secretary); Comrade Chief Izu M. E. (JP) (National Trustee); Comrade T. Rimddap (National Internal Auditor); Comrade Abubakar Aliyu (National Vice-President, North Central); Comrade Dr Acheta U. Azunah (National Vice-President, South-South); Comrade Jaafar Hamid (National Public Relations Officer); Comrade Engr. Okey Ayimba (National Vice-President, South-East); Comrade A. Isa (National Vice-President, South-South); Comrade Uchenna (National Treasurer); Comrade Sabo Balade (National Vice-President, North-West); Comrade Abdussobor Salaam (National Vice-President, Western Zone); Comrade Leku L. Ador (Deputy National President); Comrade Temidayo Aguda, EKSU Chairman; and Comrade M. H. Ibrahim (Special Assistant on Protocol to the National President).
Other attendees included: Comrade Benjamin Faleye, FUOYE Branch Chairman; Comrade Aluko Ayomikun (FUOYE Branch Secretary); Comrade Vandi Teri Kwabe (FUOYE Branch Treasurer); Comrade Ademola Mutiu (Past FUOYE Branch Chairman); and Comrade Eleniola Bamidele (FUOYE Branch Public Relations Officer).
Photo Credit: Toye Fisher
