The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, has attributed the tragic death of one of its students, who suffered from asthma, on Tuesday morning to what it deems as the “insensitivity” of the striking members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), resulting in the closure of the institution’s clinic.
Prof. Abayomi Fasina, the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, accused SSANU of misleading its national leadership with false information about the university. He claimed that this misinformation prompted the national leadership to direct SSANU members in institutions in Ondo, Osun, and Kwara states to proceed to FUOYE on Monday.
Represented by the university management team led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, Fasina stated that due to misinformation provided by the FUOYE SSANU chairman, Oluwaseun Faleye, he was under attack, leading to the invasion of the institution by hoodlums on Monday and subsequent closure.
Fasina lamented the loss of a student that morning due to asthma, as the student couldn’t access the university clinic, which was locked. He highlighted the contrasting scenario at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, where the administrative block was open, activities were ongoing, and the clinic was operational.
The VC emphasized that the SSANU chairman was not harassed or threatened by security operatives and asserted the university’s commitment to maintaining peace and security on campus.
In response, Faleye, the SSANU chairman, countered the university’s claims, stating that the union had duly notified the institution of the seven-day warning strike. He denied instigating or leading hoodlums to invade FUOYE, challenging the management to provide evidence. Faleye also accused the university management of attempting to intimidate SSANU members and questioned their motives for inviting union leaders for meetings during a national strike.
He argued that the university’s attempt to impose concessions on the striking union members was against the national directive. Faleye further alleged instances of intimidation by security agencies, suggesting collusion between the university management and security operatives.
The situation remains contentious, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives regarding the events leading to the closure of the university clinic and the tragic death of the student.
