Students and workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife Osun State are calling on the federal government to set up an investigative panel into what they call the “corrupt activities” of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Bamitale Omole.
To show their grievances against Professor Omole, the workers comprising members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Unions and students attempted to stall the book launch organised in his honour.
It was less than three weeks to the expiration of the tenure of Professor Bamitale Omole as OAU VC and the protesters gathered in front of the school’s bookshop to disrupt the book launch.
From the book shop, they moved to the OAU Conference Centre, venue of the book launch, dragging the banner of the launch along.
At the conference centre, the aggrieved workers and students were told that the event had been cancelled for security reasons.
Speaking to newsmen, leaders of the unions claimed that they were on the protest to register their grievances against the mismanagement of the institution’s resources and an alleged planned imposition of a new vice chancellor by the outgoing vice chancellor.
They called on the federal government to set up a panel of inquiry to probe the about-to-wind-up administration of Prof Bamitale Omole.
The students also blamed management for the condition of the halls of residence, which they say is deplorable and requires urgent attention.
However, OAU Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, says all aggrieved unions should channel their concerns to anti-graft agencies saddled with the responsibility with relevance proof if there is any.
In the meantime, the unions have vowed to continue their protests until June 23 when Professor Bamitale Omole is expected to officially vacate his office as the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
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