University Of Ilorin Reacts To Being Called A Terrorist Organisation

The Management of the University of Ilorin has said that the recent
branding of the institution as a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the
chairman of the University of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union
of Universities, Dr. Ayodeji Omole, is false and unfortunate.

It noted, in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr.
Kunle Akogun, and made available to our correspondent on Monday, that
it was proud of the university’s academic achievements.

The UniLorin authority also noted in the statement that the
university had actively promoted the nation’s educational ideals and
helped to foster peace and stability in the society, among other goals,
since its foundation.

Arguing that the institution could not be rightly described as a terrorist organisation, it said, “This is unfortunate, especially coming from someone who is expected to know the gravity of such appellation.

“While the university is not ready to join issues with this
fellow, who appears hell bent to drag the good names that Unilorin has
made for itself over the years in the mud, we want to make it abundantly
clear that the disciplinary action recently taken by the university
against two members of its staff, which is the basis for his outburst,
followed due process and it was in line with the laid down rules and
regulations as contained in the University’s Conditions of Service.”

It added,  “We wonder when an internal affair of the University
of Ilorin has now become the business of the University of Ibadan ASUU
chairman. We recall that this is the same fellow that recently alleged
that the University of Ilorin had increased its tuition fees and
shamefacedly took the false news to the media.

“As a supposed senior member of the academia, we expect Dr
Omole to be circumspect in his usage of words. How can you describe a
university that is the toast of most Nigerian parents and the darling of
admission seekers as a terrorist organisation?

“The University of Ilorin is proud of its records of
achievement as the most peaceful university in the country with an
unbroken record of stable academic calendar and an unmatched expansion
of academic programmes. These are attributes that have made the
university the most sought after institution of higher learning in the
country since 2013.”

ASUU, in a statement on Sunday,  by Dr. Ade Adejumo and Dr Deji
Omole,  Zonal Coordinator of the Ibadan Zone of ASUU and Chairman,
University of Ibadan Chapter, respectively, reacting to the sacking of
the ASUU Chairman in the school, Dr. Kayode Afolayan, said that it was
the height of impunity to sack a person for exposing the impunity,
lawlessness and disregard for due process in the university.

The body noted in the statement, “The university has devised
all means to suppress legitimate industrial activities in order to avoid
exposure of its misdeeds. Indeed, the university prides itself in its
ability to ‘kill off” staff and students that are connected in any way
to ASUU leadership. This hate crime on the part of the university is
usually carried out under the guise of “uninterrupted academic
calendar”. Yet, many universities have also maintained a stable academic
calendar without destroying union members or their careers.”