By DADA AYOKHAI
A socio_ Cultural group in Edo North, Etsako Consciousness , EC, has faulted the appointment of Prof. Victor Adetimirin Olawale as Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Iyamho, alleging injustice against a fellow Prof. from Etsako, Ganiyu Oboh, who reportedly topped the screening exercise.
Professor Ganiyu Oboh is said to be a native of South Ibie in Etsako West LGA .
The group in a statement signed by the chairman Mr Imonikhe Paul accuses the institution Governing Council, chaired by Professor Olusegun O. Akinyinka, a Yoruba from the South West supported by a council dominated by members from the Yoruba ethnic group of nepotism in appointing Prof. Olawale over Prof. Oboh.
They appealed to Governor Okpebholo to investigate the process that led to the recommendation of Professor Olawale as Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Iyamho.
They argued that the process disregards merit and undermines the integrity of the institution
The group highlighted Prof. Ganiyu Oboh’s impressive credentials:
- Professor of Applied Biochemistry at FUTA
- Heads the Functional Food and Nutraceutical Laboratory Unit
-An award winner as Best Researcher in Nigeria and Africa’s best biochemist.
whose research breakthroughs and capacity-building efforts have benefited Edo State University, Ambrose Alli University and Auchi Polytechnic.
Given his achievements, the group’s contention that he was unfairly overlooked for the Vice Chancellor position in favour of Prof. Olawale is understandable.
The Etsako Consciousness group believes the Vice Chancellor position of a State owned institution should prioritize indigenous people of Edo State, particularly those from the university’s location and environs.
They argue that overlooking qualified locals would demoralize them and undermine their sense of belonging
The group said the governor authority to choose among shortlisted candidates, should not compromised Merit.
They see this appointment as an insult to the Etsako people, both within and outside the country.
”Where, when and why the state Governor/visitor of the school has the right to choose among the three shortlisted candidates, it doesn’t mean merit should be kept aside. That would be an insult to the entire Etsako people both within and outside the Country.”
The act and practice of neither recognizing the indigenes in a contest nor appreciating them, would dampen their moral.”
Etsako Prof. Oboh Came First at Edo University Screening, Got Pushed Aside – Group”
