Chinedu Okafor & Femi Otitoju
Campaign against corruption and extortion by the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has claimed its first victims with the suspension of two members of staff and Students’ Union President, Mr. James Iyanuoluwa Adio for allegedly engaging in corruption and extortion of students.
The two members of staff, including the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Olanrewaju Patrick Ogunjobi and Deputy Dean, Student Affairs and Support Services, Dr. Banji Rildwan Olaleye were accused of extortion of students through unauthorized collection of One Thousand Naira (N1, 000) from each 100-level student of the university, purportedly meant for practical as instructed by the Director.
According to a release signed by the Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, “Management received a petition from an official of the students’ union government alleging the extortion of students through unauthorized collection of One Thousand Naira (N1,000) from each 100-level student of the Federal University Oye Ekiti. The said collection was purportedly made in respect of practical session.
“In the interest of fairness and in accordance with the principle of natural justice, Management constituted a preliminary fact-finding committee to look into the allegations. All persons in the petition were invited to appear before the committee. They were duly questioned and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them”, the Registrar said.
According to Mr. Ibrahim, “With respect to Mr. Ogunjobi, the committee found that he allegedly authorized and collected the sum of One Thousand Naira from each affected student without recourse to the Senate, Management or the university’s extant directives that all payments must be made through the Bursary and with the approval of Management”
In the same vein, Dr. Olaleye of students’ Affairs and Support Services was allegedly found to have participated in the unauthorized collection by assisting the Director in the process, notwithstanding his position within the students Affairs structure of the university, the release explained.
Dramatically, President of the students’ Union government, Comrade Adio was said to have demanded One Million Naira as his own share of the money, but the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira was paid into his personal bank account.
However, the Management found these sharp practices antithetical to its current campaign against corruption and extortion in the university, hence the initial suspension of the three dramatist personae
The Registrar stressed that Management would not tolerate any act capable of undermining its current rebranding of the image of the university.
According to Mr. Ibrahim, “Management wishes to reiterate its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and discipline within the university. The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form”
