The management of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has dismissed as false and misleading a social media report alleging that the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Professor Akin Oyebode, criticised the Ekiti State Governor and Visitor to the university, Biodun Oyebanji, during a recent council meeting.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the university’s Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, EKSU said the claim circulating online that Oyebode described the governor as “too desperate for a second term” was a complete misrepresentation of the proceedings of the Governing Council.
The statement was signed by Babatope Ogunleye on behalf of the Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs of the university.
The institution stressed that no such statement was made during the meeting and urged members of the public to disregard the report.
“The Management of Ekiti State University wishes to state unequivocally that no such statement was made at the Council meeting, and the claim is a complete misrepresentation of the proceedings of the Governing Council,” the statement read.
According to the university, Oyebode, a renowned scholar and pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Law as well as a former Vice-Chancellor of the institution, has remained committed to the growth and stability of EKSU.
The statement noted that the council chairman was appointed by Governor Oyebanji to lead a carefully constituted Governing Council comprising experienced technocrats, academics and professionals tasked with advancing the development of the institution.
The university also highlighted Oyebode’s longstanding dedication to EKSU, describing him as someone who often refers to the institution as “the only industry in Ekiti State.”
“Professor Oyebode has consistently demonstrated deep commitment to the progress of Ekiti State University,” the statement added, noting that the council under his leadership has focused on strengthening the institution, improving staff and students’ welfare, and ensuring prompt implementation of council policies.
EKSU further emphasised that the council chairman has on several occasions publicly commended Governor Oyebanji for his continued support to the university.
The management specifically cited the governor’s approval of increased subventions to the institution, the regular and prompt release of monthly allocations, as well as the payment of outstanding subventions, which it said had significantly improved the university’s financial stability and operations.
The statement added that the Governing Council under Oyebode has remained focused on its statutory responsibilities, including policy formulation aimed at improving staff and student welfare, strengthening the academic environment, and maintaining peace and orderly governance within the institution.
The university therefore urged the public to ignore the social media report, describing it as an attempt to misinform the public and create unnecessary controversy around the affairs of the institution.
“The Management urges members of the public to disregard in its entirety the false social media report, which appears designed to misinform the public and create unnecessary controversy around the activities of the University,” the statement said.
EKSU reaffirmed its commitment to its core mandate of teaching, research and community service, while pledging to continue working harmoniously with the Visitor and other stakeholders to advance the development of the institution.
