…Tells aggrieved SSANU leaders to resign; stakeholders rally for stability
By Oluwadare Taiwo
A massive crowd of students, alumni, and staff members of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Tuesday trooped out to welcome the institution’s substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, as he officially resumed duty after a six-month accumulated research leave.
The homecoming event turned into a rally for peace, as key stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and several members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), called for calm and unity on campus.
They stressed that sustained peace was crucial for the continued development of the university under Prof. Fasina’s leadership.
Speaking at the event, President of the FUOYE Alumni Association, Mr. Arogundade Temitope, described Prof. Fasina as “an enigma and transformational leader” whose absence was deeply felt.
“We are delighted to welcome Prof. Fasina back to his lawful duty. He has performed admirably well, and we are confident that his return will usher in more progress. The large turnout of staff, students, and alumni shows how much he is loved and respected. At this point, we appeal for peace — only in a peaceful environment can development thrive,” Arogundade said.
Also speaking, Comrade Owolabi Taiwo, Vice President of NANS (South-West Zone), warned against any attempt by disgruntled individuals to instigate crisis on campus, particularly among a faction of SSANU.
“Peace on FUOYE campus is non-negotiable. This university belongs to all of us, and the students are the biggest stakeholders. We will not allow any selfish union leader to disrupt our academic calendar or jeopardize our future. If anyone feels unhappy, they should resign rather than plunge the campus into chaos. We stand with Prof. Fasina for his visionary and student-friendly leadership,” Owolabi declared.
In the same vein, Comrade Ayeni Abraham (NASU Chairman) and Comrade Babafemi Olusola (NAAT Chairman) told newsmen that their members’ welfare remains a top priority and that they trust Prof. Fasina’s leadership to continue delivering on his promises.
Two senior members of SSANU, Mr. Akinrope Olufemi and Mr. Owonsaye Wale, also called on the national leadership of SSANU to intervene in the lingering internal crisis within the FUOYE chapter. They alleged that the local executives had derailed from the union’s collective interests and compromised members’ welfare.
“Over 50 SSANU members in FUOYE have petitioned the national and zonal bodies, complaining about the selfish agenda of the local leadership. We urge the national secretariat to act swiftly to restore credibility and unity in our union,” they said.
In his remarks, Prof. Fasina expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of support, pledging to focus on consolidating the university’s achievements as his tenure winds down in four months.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone who came out today. My commitment remains to ensure peace, progress, and welfare for both staff and students. If peace is maintained, we can achieve even greater milestones before the end of my tenure,” he stated.
On the upcoming vice-chancellorship selection process, Prof. Fasina clarified that he has no direct influence over the appointment of his successor, as he is only a member of the University Council. However, he expressed confidence that the council would choose a capable leader to sustain FUOYE’s growth trajectory.
“I trust the Council to make the right choice for the future of this great institution,” he said.
With renewed calls for peace and unity, stakeholders expressed optimism that FUOYE will continue to thrive under stable and progressive leadership.
