OAU Management Reacts To Protests By Ife Indigenes Over Appointment Of New VC

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has reacted to the protests by the indigenes of the host community over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

The University in a statement on Tuesday, titled "OAU MANAGEMENT THANKS STAFF AND STUDENTS", signed by the registrar, M.I Omosule, affirmed its knowledge of the ongoing protest, noting that the situation is being closely monitored.

The University management appealed to the students and staff to remain calm as it noted that everything possible I being done to bring the situation under control.

The University management while noting that the the situation was fueled by the roles played by some individuals urged everyone to refrain from acts that are capable of disrupting the peace in the university.

The statement reads, "The University Management is not unaware of the hardship occasioned by the unwarranted invasion of the University Campus by Ile-Ife indigenes. The situation is constantly being monitored and everything possible will continue to be done to bring things under control.

"Management empathizes with staff and students who have been injured or traumatized in this unfortunate state of affairs. Appropriate and relevant authorities, within and outside the University have been duly informed of the development.

"However, the Management has noted the unfortunate and inimical roles of some individuals and wishes to remind everyone of the need to desist from acts that are capable of disrupting the peace of the University.

"We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of staff and students, as well as the maturity so far exhibited in the face of this unwarranted assault on the University community.

"Once again, the University Management appeals to all staff and students to remain calm, ignore any provocation, and go about their legitimate duties."

The University Governing Council had on Thursday, 17 March, 2022 announced the appointment of Prof. A.S Bamire, a professor of Agricultural Economics from the Faculty of Agriculture as the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution; a development which had met a stern hostility from the natives of the host town.

The people of the town had disagreed with the appointment, arguing that one of their sons should have been appointed instead to break a record of over sixty years of not being considered for a substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution since it was established six decades ago.