Daud Olatunji
In the wake of a scathing report by PLATFORM TIMES revealing the dire state of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, the call for the constitution of a visitation panel has ignited a storm of controversy within the institution and beyond.
Published on May 1, 2024, the PLATFORM TIMES special report titled “Disquiet In OOU As Govt. Fails To Constitute Visitation Panel 15 Years After” has sparked mixed reactions, with stakeholders urging the state government to intervene swiftly to save the once-prestigious university from further decay.
Investigations conducted by PLATFORM TIMES on the campus revealed a plethora of unresolved issues ranging from academic integrity to administrative malpractice.
It was discovered that the university, established 42 years ago as the gateway state’s first university, is teetering on the brink of collapse due to a myriad of challenges.
Among the grievances aired by stakeholders are concerns over the mishandling of certificates, results, transcripts, and student welfare issues.
Of particular concern is the alleged autocratic leadership style of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, who has reportedly instilled a climate of fear among academic staff.
Reports suggest that dissenting voices are swiftly silenced, with individuals daring to challenge the Vice Chancellor subjected to punitive measures, including facing disciplinary panels.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at OOU has reportedly been reportedly rendered impotent in advocating for the welfare and rights of its members.
Allegations of manipulation in the union’s leadership elections have surfaced, with claims that loyalists of the Vice Chancellor have been strategically placed in key positions to maintain control.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the university administration has resorted to surveillance tactics, with suspicions of spies monitoring dissenting voices and reporting them to the management.
PLATFORM TIMES’inveatigation showed that the atmosphere of surveillance has instilled a pervasive sense of fear and mistrust among staff and students alike.
Despite repeated attempts to reach out to the university’s Director of Public Relations, Mr. Niyi Oduwole, for comment, PLATFORM TIMES has received no response.
In light of these revelations, calls for the establishment of a visitation panel have grown louder, with stakeholders urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene decisively to address the myriad challenges facing OOU.
Many of them said the future of the institution hangs in the balance, and swift action is imperative to restore its reputation and ensure the well-being of its students and staff.
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