Why we sacked 23 University staff- 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.
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 made available to The Nation
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.