By Rotimi Ojomoyela Ado-Ekiti
Students of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), yesterday took to the streets of Oye Ekiti, made burn-fi re on the highway and barricaded the main gate of the institution in protest against alleged extortion by one Dr Malomo, a lecturer and Acting Dean Student Aff airs. Th e students alleged that the sum of N500 was collected from them in the name of organising tutorials for them without issuing receipts. But Malomo, who was fi ngered as the arrow head of the alleged extortion racket, was not on campus to react to the allegation, while his mobile phone was switched off . Members of staff of the Institution were prevented from accessing their offi ces as the main gate was barricaded by the protesting students.
Th ey demanded the immediate removal of the Acting Dean Student Aff airs and reinstatement as well as the extension of the tenure of the out-going Dean, Student Aff airs, Dr Olugbenga Adeyemi. Speaker, Students’ Representative Council, Victor Akinnibosun, who spoke on behalf of the students, said “no inauguration of elected members of students’ union government, no 2016/ 2017 second semester examinations.” Akinnibosun alongside Dr Olugbenga Adeyemi read the resolutions with the management which included: extension of the tenure of Adeyemi as Dean, Students Aff airs, till the end of 2017. Adeyemi, who later advised the protesters to go back to the various hostels and homes in peace and return for normal lectures on Tuesday (today), said he had no issues with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof., Kayode Soremekun, as well as Malomo. He said: “Let me tell you (students) that in the last one and half years that I have occupied the position of the Dean, Student Aff airs, I have been carrying out my legitimate duties as directed by the VC. I have no issues with Prof. Kayode Soremekun, as well as the person of Dr Malomo.
“Th e VC has right to appoint anybody, any time into any position. I want to tell you that the VC gave approval for me to visit six universities in the country to study them for free, fair and credible election as part of processes for the SUG election in FUOYE. “Parts of the resolutions reached this morning with the management on your behalf are that SUG election holds in the next three weeks.” Adeyemi pleaded with the protesters to go home peacefully restating his commitment to their welfare. Earlier, in an interview, the University’s Public Relations Offi cer (PRO), Mr. Godfrey Bakji, said the management was ready to meet the demands of the protesters.
