Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta
The federal government thursday suspended the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, who is currently facing a criminal charge in court.
In a letter dated May 8 and signed by the acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Hussaini Adamu, and made available to journalists directed the suspended vice chancellor to hand over the affairs of the institution to the most senior staff.
“Sequel to your arraignment before an Ogun State High Court on criminal charges, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday November 24, 2016, I am directed to convey the minister’s approval to place you on suspension from office with immediate effect pending the determination of the court case against you in accordance with extant rules,†the letter read.
“You are therefore, directed to hand over the affairs of your office to the most senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, in the University.â€
In her reaction, Head, Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB , Emi Alawode, in a statement, said: “The Directorate of Public Relations, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has been inundated with inquiries on whether Professor Oyewole has been suspended from office or not.
“Consultations are in progress with the university administration on the true position of things, while a formal statement will be issued in due course. Meanwhile, all normal academic and administrative activities are ongoing unabated in the university.
“The embattled vice chancellor had been charged by the EFCC alongside the former pro-chancellor of the school, Adeseye Ogunewe, the bursar, Moses Ilesanmi, to court for alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.
“They were investigated after whistleblowers tipped off the anti-graft agency and accused the trio of suspicious dealings totalling N800 million. The case is before Justice O.C Majekodunmi of the state high court.â€
