We sacked 23 staff for stealing, others – FUNAAB Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has disclosed that the 23 non-academic staff members earlier dismissed last week by University’s management were sacked for stealing institution’s property and sevaral illegal acts of insurbodiantion, dereliction, sabotage and other acts of misconduct.

It will be recalled that the Governing Council of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) last week Thursday sacked 23 members of staff, majorly members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), including alleged three whistle blowers who filed petition against Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council at the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

The statement released to journalists on Sunday by Mathew Ayoola, Secretary to the Governing Council reads, “the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), at its 90th Statutory Meeting, held on Thursday, November 10, 2016, considered reports on the University.

“As part of necessary reforms aimed at repositioning the University, the Governing Council approved Management’s decisions earlier taken to restore normal academic activities and peace to the University and commended the efforts of the Management and staff, to sustain the integrity of the University.

“Council also disengaged some erring staff from the services of the University for various offences, which includes stealing of University property, insubordination, wilful disobedience to lawful instructions, absconding from assigned duty posts, sabotage and other forms of gross misconduct, prejudicial to good governance and peace of the University. This is in line with the resolve of the Governing Council to fulfill its statutory roles of ensuring the stability of the University.

“Council further approved the appointment of Oluremi Oyewunmi as Acting University Bursar, after the expiration of the tenure of Moses O. Ilesanmi and noted that the process for the appointment of a substantive University Bursar has begun.

“Council enjoined all staff to be dedicated to duty, as necessary steps are being taken to attend to issues of welfare, such as promotions, staff training and development while reiterating its resolve not to entertain any form of indiscipline in the University.”

Responding on behalf of sacked workers, Samson Ugwoke, President of SSANU directed all members of SSANU, FUNAAB branch to protest against the management’s decision to sack its members, asking the entire members of SSANU to embark on indefinite strike, starting from today (Monday) until the sacked members are recalled to work.

The letter dated 9th November, 2016 and signed by the President of SSANU, Samson Ugwoke reads, “In view of the unco-operative attitude of the Vice-Chancellor and Management of FUNAAB over the ongoing industrial action in your branch, as evident in the reported cases of mass suspension and termination of appointments, NAC at its meeting today, November 9, 2016, has directed that you continue with the warning strike till further  notice.

“Please, ensure strict compliance with this directive until you receive further directive from NAC.”