NDOMA-EGBA MUST GO: FUOYE UNIONS PASS VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE ON COUNCIL CHAIRMAN OVER USURPATION AND OTHER ALLEGATIONS, DEMAND PAYMENT OF ARREARS

 Omojola Mayowa

Oye-Ekiti, September 15, 2025.

The crisis rocking the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) reached a boiling point on Monday as members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) staged a massive protest, declaring a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

Amid chants of “Ndoma-Egba Must Go!” and “Council Stop Hijacking Management!”, the protesters marched across the campus, wielding placards that condemned what they called the financial recklessness, impunity, and double standards of the Council.

Allegations of Mismanagement and Reckless Spending

The unions accused the Governing Council of approving ₦900 million for the purchase of buildings outside the university campus, at a time when workers’ allowances remain unpaid. They also condemned the alleged ₦128 million approval for the Vice-Chancellor’s leave, which they described as “wasteful, insensitive, and scandalous.”

 A staff member told journalists:

“Our university is bleeding. Staff are suffering. Yet the Governing Council, under Ndoma-Egba, is busy approving ₦900 million for buildings that are not even on campus, and ₦128 million for the VC to go on leave. This is unacceptable, it is reckless, and we are saying enough is enough — Ndoma-Egba must go!”

The unions also condemned the Council’s alleged imposition of an officer as head of unit despite overstaying his tenure, as well as “double standard advertisement of key positions,” which they argued undermines transparency and fairness in recruitment.

Rejection of VC’s Return

Another protester, declared that the workers would resist the return of the Vice-Chancellor currently on research leave.

“We don’t want him back. The university has seen enough recklessness and misplaced priorities under his watch. Let him remain where he is. FUOYE deserves better leadership, not recycled failure.”

Staff Demands and Ultimatum

The unions presented a clear list of demands:

- Immediate payment of the balance of relocation allowances in full.

- Settlement of salary arrears for staff employed in 2020 and 2021.

- Reversal of administrative decisions that promote double standards.

- End to financial recklessness by the Council and restoration of management autonomy.

The members issued a stern warning:

“We are giving the management and Council two weeks, 16th September, to pay what is due to staff and correct these reckless decisions. If they fail, this protest is only a warm-up. We are prepared for a total shutdown of FUOYE.”

The FUOYE showdown mirrors similar crises across Nigerian universities where staff unions have accused Governing Councils of usurpation of powers, wasteful spending, and disregard for welfare. In recent months, unions in institutions like UNILAG and OAU have also staged demonstrations against perceived council interference.

A senior academic in FUOYE who spoke on condition of anonymity noted:

“When workers pass a vote of no confidence, it means leadership has lost legitimacy. This situation, if unresolved, could cripple FUOYE’s operations and damage its reputation nationally and internationally.”

Protest Message Loud and Clear

As solidarity songs filled the air, the protesters vowed not to relent until their voices were heard. Placards bore inscriptions such as “Ndoma-Egba Must Go,” “Pay Our Arrears Now,” “Council Stop Hijacking Management,” and “No to Reckless Spending.”

The protest ended with a clear resolution: unless urgent corrective steps are taken, FUOYE faces an imminent industrial showdown with severe consequences for governance, staff welfare, and academic stability.