The culture that brought the Federal University Oye Ekiti to its current challenging state must be deliberately changed. This was the assertion of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, during a courtesy visit by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Prof. Ogunwole observed that the institution is at a point of inflexion following a difficult period. He noted that urgent reforms are necessary to steer the university away from past impediments.
"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," Ogunwole warned.
The Vice Chancellor assured the university community that his administration would not victimise anyone. "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," he stated.
He also expressed concern regarding student conduct, stressing that universities must remain centres of discipline. "We also need to work on the kind of graduates we produce. 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," he remarked.
Prof. Ogunwole affirmed that the institution operates a collegiate system where schools enjoy semi autonomy. "By the grace of God, the university runs on a collegiate system, and our schools will enjoy a level of semi autonomy," he disclosed.
National Vice President of SSANU, Comrade Dr Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, congratulated the Vice Chancellor and commended the appointment of Dr Sunday Saanu as the Public Relations Officer. "With someone like Dr Sunday Saanu handling the university’s information management, we believe the institution is in safe hands," Salaam noted.
He advised the Vice Chancellor to avoid ego in his dealings. "Ego is a major problem in society. 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 to influence your decisions," he cautioned.
Salaam presented a white handkerchief to the Vice Chancellor as a symbol of peace. "When you come with a white handkerchief, it signifies peace. 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 explained.
He urged both management and union leaders to embrace forgiveness. Concluding his address, the SSANU leader quoted the Bible to emphasise the need for harmony. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall obtain mercy," Salaam declared.
