Jubilation in FUTA over VC removal

THERE was wild jubilation on Thursday at the campus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) over the suspension of the Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof Adebiyi Daramola and the school Bursar, Mrs Modupe Ajayi.

The three non-academic staff of the institution which include, the Non Academic Staff Union, (NASU) Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) trooped out of their offices after the news of the two principal officers filtered into the campus.

The workers who were seen chanting different songs and rejoicing that the Federal government eventually granted their prayers and demand for the removal of Daramola.

It would be recalled that workers of the institution under the three non-academic union had embarked on continuous protest and strike demanding the removal of the VC, accusing the embattled Vice chancellor of fraud.

Apart from the strike and protest, the workers also petitioned the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) demanding the anti-graft commission to beam it’s searchlight to the alleged atrocities committed by Daramola and the institution’s Bursar, Mr Emmanuel Oresegun.

The two officers were subsequently arraigned before an Akure High Court by EFCC over a five count charge bordering on fraud and mismanagement of the institution’s funds.

Speaking on the suspension of the two officers, the Chairman of the three non-academic union in FUTA, Joint Action Committee (JAC) Mr Dele Durojaye, who confirmed Daramola’s removal said the details of the VC removal has not been forwarded to the school but confirmed that the VC has been suspended

One of the workers, Adebayo Ilori, who spoke to our correspondent said “we commend the Education minister for a job well done. It is good that our labour did not end in vain. We have been calling the attention of the authorities to the VC atrocities since October last year.

“We have been on working strike for months but Daramola has been buying time to complete his tenure. Daramola should not only be suspended but must face the wrath of the law.

“‎We appreciate President Muhammad Buhari for his intervention and safe FUTA from being run aground by the VC.”

In his reaction, the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Adebanjo Adegbenro, said he could not affirm the authenticity of the VC removal saying “there was no letter to that effect. As at now, we have no information to the rumor”