FUNAAB
The management of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, has explained why it sacked 23 of the university non – teaching staff, majorly of whom are members of the institution’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association Nigeria Universities (SSANU), last Thursday.
FUNAAB Front Entrance
It said apart from the fact that the decision was taken to reposition the university and restore peace within its campus, the “disengaged” staff “erred” and were shown the way out following various offences allegedly committed them.
In a statement at the weekend by the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Emi’ Alawode, the management listed the offences to include “stealing of University property, insubordination and wilful disobedience to lawful instructions.”
The university management also claimed the affected staff absconded from assigned duty posts, engaged in sabotage and other forms of gross misconduct prejudicial to good governance and peace of the University.
The statement reads in full: “the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), at its 90th Statutory Meeting, held on Thursday, November 10, 2016, considered reports on the University.
“As part of necessary reforms aimed at repositioning the University, the Governing Council approved Management’s decisions earlier taken to restore normal academic activities and peace to the University and commended the efforts of the Management and staff, to sustain the integrity of the University.
“Council also disengaged some erring staff from the services of the University for various offences, which includes stealing of University property, insubordination, wilful disobedience to lawful instructions, absconding from assigned duty posts, sabotage and other forms of gross misconduct, prejudicial to good governance and peace of the University.
“This is in line with the resolve of the Governing Council to fulfil its statutory roles of ensuring the stability of the University.
“Council further approved the appointment of Mrs. Oluremi Oyewunmi as Acting University Bursar, after the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Moses O. Ilesanmi and noted that the process for the appointment of a substantive University Bursar has began.
“Council enjoined all staff to be dedicated to duty, as necessary steps are being taken to attend to issues of welfare, such as promotions, staff training and development while reiterating its resolve not to entertain any form of indiscipline in the University.”
But reacting, the National Executive Council of SANNU called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene quickly and over – rule the Management of FUNAAB over the sack of its members.
In a letter to the President dated 11th November, 2016 and signed by its President, Samson Ugwoke, the Association faulted the actions of the University management.
SSANU leadership said the sack reeks of a gross violation of the fundamental Human Right of its members to Freedom of Expression and Association as enshrined in section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Mr President Sir, the Union kindly requests your immediate intervention to reverse the sack and allow the investigation by the EFCC to continue. This we believe will encourage patriotic Nigerians to key in and actively participate in Mr President’s fight against corruption,” he stated.
