The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Issue has required an immediate review of recent appointments and administrative procedures at the Federal University of Farming and Innovation, citing concerns over openness, inclusiveness and adherence to federal character principles.
In a statement issued by its State Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, and offered to reporters on Saturday, the organisation commended the Federal government for establishing the institution, explaining it as a major educational advancement for the Oke-Ogun area and Oyo State.
Despite the commendation, the group revealed reservations over advancements within the university under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi.
MURIC alleged that the appointment of a number of individuals into tactical scholastic positions had actually sparked issues amongst stakeholders over fairness and representation within the institution.
The group referenced the consultations of Professors Emmanuel Adegbenga Adekoya, Egbeyale, Godwin Olutona, Ojoawo and Awodoyin as Deans of various professors, mentioning that while their skills was acknowledged, the process leading to their introduction had produced public concern.
According to the organisation, the resource confirmation exercise reportedly conducted by the National Universities Commission was neither sufficiently transparent nor inclusive.
MURIC declared that the exercise was conducted within a single day and lacked adequate communication, thus limiting involvement by many qualified individuals.
The group further claimed that subsequent consultations appeared to favour a limited group of individuals from the exercise, a development it said has raised concerns over level playing field and fairness.
It also revealed concern over reports of supposed out of proportion representation along spiritual lines in the consultation of Deans and Heads of Departments.
The organisation maintained that FUNATO, as a federal institution, should show Nigeria’s diversity and promote the principles of equity and inclusiveness.
MURIC specified that its position was not inspired by bias or sectional interests however by the requirement to safeguard fairness, justice and institutional integrity at the developmental phase of the university.
The group for that reason urged the Governing Council of FUNATO, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and other appropriate stakeholders to examine and evaluate all visits and processes carried out within the institution up until now.
It likewise attracted conventional rulers and community leaders in Oke-Ogun to intervene in the interest of peace, fairness and unity.
MURIC restated its dedication to monitoring advancements within the university to make sure that the organization remains inclusive and aligned with its federal required.