MURIC Demands Probe Into FUNATO Appointments, Raises Concerns Over Inclusiveness
The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern has raised concerns over recent appointments and administrative processes at the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, calling for transparency, fairness and inclusiveness in the management of the institution.
In a statement signed by the State Secretary of the group, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, and made available to journalists on Saturday, MURIC commended the Federal Government for establishing the university, describing it as a significant educational milestone for the Oke-Ogun region and Oyo State.
However, the group expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as growing concerns surrounding appointments and administrative decisions under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi.
According to the statement, several appointments into key academic positions, including Deans across various faculties, have generated concerns among stakeholders over perceived imbalance and lack of inclusiveness in the process.
MURIC specifically mentioned the appointments of Professors Emmanuel Adegbenga Adekoya, Egbeyale, Godwin Olutona, Ojoawo and Awodoyin, noting that while their academic qualifications were not in doubt, questions had been raised regarding the transparency of the process that produced the appointments.
The group also faulted the conduct of the resource verification exercise reportedly carried out by the National Universities Commission, alleging that the exercise lacked adequate transparency and inclusiveness.
According to MURIC, the exercise was allegedly compressed into a single day without sufficient communication, thereby excluding many qualified participants from taking part.
The organisation further alleged that subsequent appointments appeared to have been largely drawn from a limited pool of participants involved in the exercise, raising concerns about fairness and equal opportunity.
It also expressed worries over what it described as disproportionate representation along religious lines in the appointment of Deans and Heads of Departments within the institution.
MURIC stressed that as a federal institution, FUNATO must reflect Nigeria’s diversity in line with the federal character principle, warning against any form of marginalisation or dominance by any religious or ethnic group.
The group maintained that its intervention was aimed at promoting justice, equity, due process and institutional credibility, rather than advancing any sectional interest.
Consequently, MURIC called on the Governing Council of FUNATO, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders in Oke-Ogun, to investigate and review all appointments and administrative processes carried out so far in the university.
The organisation added that it would continue to monitor developments within the institution to ensure that the university remains faithful to its federal mandate and serves as a symbol of unity, excellence and national development.
