UNIMED Refutes Allegations, Defends Vice-Chancellor Amid Calls for Removal

UNIMED has refuted allegations of corruption and nepotism against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Segun Fatusi, defending his tenure as transformative and accusing protesters of attempting to destabilize the institution.

Jul 17, 2024 - 16:36

UNIMED Refutes Allegations, Defends Vice-Chancellor Amid Calls for Removal

The management of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo State has responded to a recent protest calling for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Segun Fatusi, denouncing the accusations as efforts to destabilize the institution. The protest, led by the Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes Against Corruption (COIAC), presented a letter to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alleging high levels of corruption under Prof. Fatusi's leadership.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, UNIMED's Public Relations Officer, Isaac Oluyi, defended Prof. Fatusi, highlighting the transformative policies and programs implemented during his tenure. Despite infrastructural challenges and limited resources, Oluyi noted that the VC had initiated several groundbreaking projects, including the establishment of the first Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation in West Africa and the first full-fledged School of Public Health in Nigeria.

Oluyi emphasized Prof. Fatusi's accomplishments, such as the launch of Nigeria's first B.Sc. in Community Health Sciences, the establishment of the country's first M.Sc. in Health Law and Policy, and the introduction of a Ph.D. course in the same field. Additionally, the university has partnered with the National Universities Commission to introduce over 10 new courses into the Nigerian university system.

"This is a man who is being accused of nepotism. Despite not being from the state, he is committed to making UNIMED a pride for all—indigenes and non-indigenes alike," Oluyi stated. He urged the public to be wary of detractors, whom he described as agents of destabilization aiming to distract the institution from its mission.

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Oluyi also addressed allegations of ethnic bias in staffing, clarifying that of the 307 junior staff employed by UNIMED as of December 2023, 235 (76.5%) are from Ondo State, while only four (1.3%) are from Ogun State, Prof. Fatusi's state of origin. He emphasized that the university prioritizes merit, competence, and quality in hiring practices.

The statement concluded with a call for continued support for Prof. Fatusi, highlighting the progressive trajectory of the university under his leadership and warning against the influence of paid protesters and disgruntled staff.