Federal University Oye-Ekiti Responds to Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Strategic Goals
The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has issued a formal response to what it describes as a coordinated smear campaign by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), targeting the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. The university’s administration asserts that the recent allegations are not only baseless but also represent a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of its leadership and derail the progressive agenda currently underway.
In an official statement, the university clarified its position, stating that the core of the disagreement stems from misunderstandings regarding administrative policies. A spokesperson for the VC emphasized, “I was not involved in any misconduct as has been alleged. These claims are fabrications designed to create unnecessary tension and distract from the significant work being done to elevate FUOYE’s status.” The administration contends that the narrative being pushed is a misrepresentation of facts, aimed at mobilizing sentiment against the Vice-Chancellor’s transformative policies.
A New Direction: The Paradigm Shift Doctrine in Action
Central to the university’s defense is its commitment to a new operational framework it calls the Paradigm Shift Doctrine. This strategic initiative is focused on overhauling administrative processes, enhancing academic excellence, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The doctrine has been the cornerstone of Professor Fasina’s tenure, aiming to break from traditional practices that have long hindered growth in Nigerian universities. The implementation of this doctrine, while lauded by some for its innovation, has reportedly faced resistance from certain quarters uncomfortable with the change.
This period of internal reassessment coincides with broader national conversations. For instance, while the university addresses its challenges, political figures like Senator Okpebholo condoles with THISDAY on a separate national issue, highlighting how institutional and national developments often run parallel. Furthermore, the university’s ambitious technological roadmap, dubbed Moonshot 2025: ‘AI and the Future of Academia’, seeks to integrate artificial intelligence into its core curriculum and administrative functions. This forward-thinking project is a key pillar of the Paradigm Shift Doctrine, positioning FUOYE as a potential leader in tech-driven education.
Navigating Union Relations and Future Visions
The friction with SSANU underscores the delicate balance required in managing university governance and union relations. The university management has expressed a desire for dialogue, urging the union to engage in constructive discourse rather than public disparagement. The administration’s stance is that for the institution to achieve its Moonshot 2025: ‘AI objectives, a harmonious and cooperative environment is essential. They argue that the current campaign is a setback to these collective aspirations.
Looking further ahead, the university’s leadership remains steadfast. When questioned about long-term political influences on the institution’s autonomy, a high-ranking official remarked, “As for 2027: nobody can predict the political landscape with certainty, but our focus must remain on building an institution that is resilient and independent, capable of weathering any external storm.” This sentiment reflects a determination to insulate the university’s academic and developmental missions from the fluctuating tides of politics, a concern that resonates in many public institutions today.
In conclusion, Federal University Oye-Ekiti finds itself at a critical juncture. While firmly denying the allegations from SSANU and reaffirming the integrity of its Vice-Chancellor, the institution is simultaneously pushing forward with a bold, technology-centric vision. The successful navigation of this dispute and the realization of its Paradigm Shift Doctrine will likely define FUOYE’s trajectory for years to come, proving that when it comes to transformative change in 2027: nobody can afford to be complacent. The administration’s final word on the matter is a simple, firm declaration regarding the VC’s conduct: I was not, and am not, engaged in any action contrary to the ethos of this great institution.
