Chinedu Okafor and Femi Otitoju
Miffed by the incessant rate of petitions and allegations targeted at derailing the current regime in the University by some characters, Senate of Federal University Oye-Ekiti has risen to defend the integrity of the institution with a threat to deal with those behind the plot.
Consequently, the university academics under the aegies of Senate who strongly condemned the activities of some elements bent on tearing down the university with spurious allegations, petitions, and social media trials of the university officials, raised the alarm that some people have inaudated police with series of petitions, which have been distracting the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole.
Rising from its 87th Statutory meeting, the FUOYE Senate declared that it would not fold its arms while some people keep emabarrasing the university, hence, its determination to protect the institutional integrity, stability and governance structures.
According to the Senate, "Recent development involving petitions, allegations and interventions concerning the administration of the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole have become a matter of serious concern to members of the academic community"
Senate noted that the University was founded on the principles of academic freedom, due process, transparency, accountability, collegiality and respect for constituted authority. It stressed that these principles should continue to guide the conduct of members of the University community and the exercise of institutional responsibilities.
The Senate maintained that while members of the University community have the legitimate right to raise concerns, petitions and grievances, such concerns must be pursued responsibly and through recognised statutory and institutional channels.
It expressed concern over persistent petitions, allegations and interventions surrounding the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, noting that any action capable of distracting the administration or weakening the authority of the University’s constituted leadership could have wider implications for institutional stability.
Senate therefore emphasised that legitimate allegations concerning the Vice-Chancellor or any principal officer should be subjected to appropriate statutory procedures, with all parties given the opportunity to be heard and relevant evidence properly considered.
The academic body further stated that the University must not be embroiled in personality conflicts, factional interests or activities capable of distracting Management and other statutory organs from the University’s core responsibilities of teaching, research, innovation and community service.
Senate also emphasized the importance of respecting the authority of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor and allowing the administration the necessary institutional space to implement its programmes and pursue the development of the University.
The academic body cautioned former principal officers and other stakeholders to exercise institutional restraint and avoid actions or interventions that could reasonably be perceived as undermining the authority, effectiveness or reputation of the sitting administration.
Senate consequently called for any concerns involving the administration of the University to be handled through appropriate channels rather than through actions capable of externalising internal university matters or creating unnecessary tension around the institution.
It further reaffirmed that its overriding loyalty must be to the University, its statutes, its students, its academic mission and its long-term development. It stressed that the University must remain greater than any individual, administration, group or temporary disagreement.
Earlier in his charge, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, called on members of Senate to place the long-term interest of FUOYE above personal, sectional or individual considerations. He stressed the need for members of the University community to preserve the integrity of the institution and protect the gains recorded over the years.
Professor Ogunwole noted that every great university would, at different points, be tested by challenges from within and without, adding that the strength of an institution was ultimately demonstrated by the wisdom of its leaders, the maturity of its statutory bodies and the willingness of its members to place the collective interest above personal grievances.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that FUOYE must always be greater than any single individual, noting that offices and administrations were temporary while the University would endure beyond the tenure of its present occupants.
He stressed that the institution could not be about individuals but about preserving and advancing the University for posterity.
Professor Ogunwole, while reflecting on the responsibility of present leaders, said, “While we are doing what we are doing, some of us will not meet again, but posterity will read our account.” He therefore stressed that the integrity of FUOYE must be upheld in every decision, action and engagement.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged Senate members to distinguish between legitimate disagreement and actions that could damage the institution. He said members had every right to question policies, identify weaknesses and offer alternative views, but such disagreements should be expressed with dignity, responsibility and through established channels.
He further cautioned against factionalism, rumour, unauthorised disclosure of confidential information and inflammatory comments, noting that members of Senate were custodians of sensitive institutional information.
He urged them to protect confidential deliberations and allow statutory processes, including investigations and disciplinary procedures, to operate without improper interference.
Professor Ogunwole reminded Senate that students were watching how senior academics managed disagreements, exercised authority and treated one another. He said the University must model the values of civility, ethics, integrity, responsibility and respect for institutions that it seeks to impart to its students.
He therefore called on Senate to remain united in purpose even where members differed in opinion, stressing that accountability could be demanded without destroying reputations or weakening the institution. He urged members to defend due process, support lawful authority and ensure that the collective interest of FUOYE remained paramount.
Professor Ogunwole concluded with a call for the University community to work together to consolidate the achievements of FUOYE and build a stronger institution for future generations
