By Otitoju Femi
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has assured members of the university community that his administration will not embark on any form of witch-hunt, emphasizing that his leadership will focus on rebuilding the institution and steering it away from past challenges.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ogunwole gave the assurance on Monday, March 16, 2026 while receiving a delegation from the national leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) during a courtesy visit to his office.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated his commitment to fairness, unity and institutional development.
“I want to assure you that this administration will not witch-hunt anybody adding that our goal is to ensure that FUOYE does not continue along the path of the past. This administration is neither for nor against anyone; it is for the progress of the university.” Prof.. Ogunwole said
He observed that the university had experienced a difficult period in recent years, which he described as a turning point requiring urgent reforms.
According to the Vice Chancellor, from all that we have gone through, it is clear that FUOYE is at a point of inflection,
Continuing, ” There was a time when impunity appeared to have taken root, when contracts disappeared, and when the environment became less conducive for learning and administration. If such a situation continues unchecked, the university risks stagnation.”
He stressed the need for a cultural shift within the institution in order to restore its academic and administrative integrity.
“The culture that brought us to this point must be deliberately changed,” he said. “A university is a place of refinement where intellectual excellence is nurtured and talents are developed. We must rebuild that culture, and we will certainly get there.”
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed concern about the conduct of some students, stressing that universities must remain centres of discipline and intellectual development.
“We also need to work on the kind of graduates we produce,” he said. “Some of our students end up behaving like thugs, and that should not be the case. Universities are not garages; they are institutions meant to shape responsible leaders for society. We must therefore pay close attention to what we produce.”
Prof. Ogunwole further reaffirmed his commitment to the collegiate system of university administration, noting that the institution would operate with a degree of semi-autonomy to strengthen governance and accountability.
“By the grace of God, the university runs on a collegiate system and our schools will enjoy a level of semi-autonomy,” he said. “Our desire is that people within the system will feel the impact of good governance and take pride in the institution.”
Calling for cooperation from staff unions, the Vice-Chancellor urged SSANU and other stakeholders to join hands with the management in rebuilding the university.
“There is every reason for us to work together, rebuild the institution and put the past behind us,” he said. “If we unite in purpose, we will emerge stronger together.”
Prof. Ogunwole also commended the leadership of SSANU for their solidarity and commitment to the welfare of staff.
“I appreciate your spirit of solidarity and leadership,” he said. “I want SSANU at both the national and FUOYE branch levels to cooperate with us. We recognize the talents and capabilities among your members, and we will continue to encourage and utilize them for the progress of the university.”
Earlier, the National Vice-President of SSANU, Comrade (Dr.)Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam , congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership.
He particularly commended the appointment of Dr. Sunday Saanu was the university’s Public Relations Officer, describing him as a competent information manager.
“With someone like Dr. Sunday Saanu handling the university’s information management, we believe the institution is in safe hands,” Salam said.
He also described FUOYE as a fast-rising institution with strong prospects for the future.
“I see FUOYE as a university of the future,” he noted. “The institution is steadily building legacies for itself, and that is why we, as a union, have chosen to align ourselves with the university.”
Explaining the purpose of the visit, Salam said the SSANU delegation came to felicitate with the Vice-Chancellor and establish a cordial working relationship with his administration.
“My first impression of Prof. Ogunwole was during our first meeting with him before he became Vice-Chancellor,” he recalled. “I was impressed and even asked, ‘Who is this man?’ I was told he was the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University. Because of that positive impression and in the spirit of solidarity and friendship, we decided to pay him this courtesy visit.”
He added that the union often assesses Vice-Chancellors based on their performance during their first two years in office.
“We usually observe Vice-Chancellors closely during their first two years in office,” he said. “We hope that the relationship between this administration and the university community will begin on a positive note.”
Salam explained that the union presented a symbolic white handkerchief to the Vice-Chancellor as a sign of peace and goodwill.
“When you come with a white handkerchief, it signifies peace,” he said. “We want to make it clear that we are not against the university or the Vice-Chancellor. What we stand for is the protection of principles and justice.”
He stressed that the union was committed to supporting the new administration for the overall progress of the institution.
“We have come to tell you that we have had enough of disagreements and conflicts,” he said. “What we desire now is peace and progress. We are happy about your emergence and we encourage our members to give you maximum support.”
The SSANU leader, however, advised the Vice-Chancellor to exercise caution and humility in the use of power, noting that ego often contributes to conflicts in institutions.
“Ego is a major problem in society,” he said. “If you examine many crises around the world, you will discover that ego plays a significant role. As Vice-Chancellor, you must be careful not to allow ego influence your decisions. Even when situations become difficult, wisdom and patience are required in managing them.”
Reflecting on past tensions within FUOYE, Salam acknowledged that various stakeholders, including union members, also bore some responsibility for previous misunderstandings.
“What happened in FUOYE in the past involved faults on many sides, including our own members,” he admitted. “But we hope such situations will not repeat themselves again.”
He added that as a former unionist from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Vice-Chancellor was already familiar with the dynamics between university management and labour unions.
“As Vice-Chancellor, unions may criticize or even insult you at times,” Salam said. “That is the nature of unionism. But wisdom in handling such situations will always make the difference.”
He concluded by urging both management and union leaders to embrace forgiveness and work towards restoring lasting peace within the university.
“Peace must always be our priority,” he said. “We must all be quick to forgive one another so that harmony can return fully to the university community.”
Quoting the Bible, Salam added: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall obtain mercy.”
He expressed optimism that the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership would help restore cordial relations between management and staff unions and usher in a new era of stability and progress at FUOYE.
Among those present at the meeting were the Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. oyeyimika Koyejo; the Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), Dr. Sunday Saanu; Comrade Olugbenga Alayode (BOUESTI Chairman); Comrade Aguda Temidayo (EKSU Chairman); Comrade Felix (FUTA Chairman); Comrade Ogunmokun Olayin (EKSU Secretary); Comrade Adenike Bamigbe; Comrade Obalase Stephen (FUTA Secretary); and Comrade Idris Ismaila (FUTA Treasurer).
Others included Comrade Benjamin Faleye (FUOYE Chairman); Comrade Olausi Simon Adeniyi (FUOYE Vice-Chairman); Comrade Ayomikun Aluko (FUOYE SSANU Secretary); Comrade Akinsola Emmanuel (FUOYE Financial Secretary); Comrade Vandi (FUOYE Treasurer); Comrade Eleniola Bamide (FUOYE PRO); Comrade Mutiu Ademola (FUOYE Emeritus Chairman); Comrade Oyelude (FUOYE Past Chairman); and Comrade Awolokun Abosede (FUOYE Women Coordinator) among others
