Varsity VC suspended over alleged fraud

The Federal Ministry of Education has suspended the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, over alleged criminal charges against him by the Economic for Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).Prof. Oyewole was arraigned last November 24 at a State high court sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by the EFCC over an alleged fraudulent handling of some of the university’s fund.But in a Letter dated May 5, 2017  titled: Suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and signed by Dr. Hussaini Adamu, Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry on behalf of the  Hon. Minister, the ministry stated that Oyewole should proceed on immediate suspension pending the “determination of the Court case” against him.The letter reads: “sequel to your arraignment before an Ogun State High Court on Criminal charges by Economic for Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Monday, 24th November 2016, I am directed to convey the Honourable Minister’s approval to place you on suspension from office with immediate effect pending the determination of the Court case against you in accordance with extant rules.“You are therefore directed to hand over the affairs of your office to the most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the university.”Responding, the University through the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Emi’ Alawode (Mrs) said the institution is undergoing consultation to ascertain the true position of things.It added that upon conclusion of consultation, a “formal statement will beissued in due course.”“The Directorate of Public Relations, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has been inundated with inquiries on whether the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, has been suspended from office or not.“Consultations are in progress with the University Administration on the true position of things, while a formal statement will be issued in due course. Meanwhile, all normal academic and administrative activities are ongoing unabated, in the University,” Mrs. Alawode said.