Students leaders on Tuesday staged a protest in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, against the Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, over the university’s forthcoming Students Union Government election.
The students, under the aegis of the state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and others, marched to the Oke-Mosan office of Governor Dapo Abiodun to submit a protest letter against the VC.
With placards in their hands, the students called the attention of Governor Abiodun to what they called the “pressing issues that have arisen at the Olabisi Onabanjo University.”
According to them, all attempts to have peaceful resolutions and engagements with the university management have been unsuccessful, hence the need to seek the attention of the governor.
In their protest letter, the student leaders said Agboola has been engaging in what they called “manipulation of the Student Union Electoral Commission.”
They claimed that “there have been allegations of interference and manipulation in the Student Union elections at OOU. These allegations are deeply troubling and warrant a thorough and impartial investigation.”
It was also stated that there were allegations of financial misappropriation and extortion against the OOU Vice Chancellor, asking the governor to investigate same, in order to ensure transparency and accountability.
In the letter co-signed by the NANS Chairman in Ogun, Oluwafemi Adeyanju; the Chairman of NAOSS, Gbemileke Ogunronbi and others, the union leaders begged Abiodun to urgently investigate the “manipulation of the Student Union Electoral Commission at OOU and ensure that justice is served.
“We request your assistance in ensuring that the peaceful resolutions reached with the university management are upheld, as this is crucial to maintaining a conducive academic environment.
“Your Excellency, we seek your commitment to prioritising the welfare and safety of students across Ogun State.”
Accepting the letter, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Abiodun, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, assured the protesting students of Gov Abiodun’s peaceful resolution of the issues.
Taiwo promised to deliver the letter to Abiodun, whom he believed would look into the grievances of the students as a father to all.
Professor Agboola could not be reached on phone as at the time of filing this report.
SUG election: Ogun students stage protest against OOU Vice Chancellor