Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Tuesday condemned the invasion of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, by some indigenes and traditionalists kicking against the appointment of non-Ife indigene as the Vice-Chancellor of the school by the authorities of the institution.
Akeredolu in a statement personally signed by him, described the development as asymptomatic of the pervasive rot in the academia which forebodes untoward occurrences in the future, saying it showcases the extent to which the system has sunk, almost irretrievably.
According to him, the act should be condemned and should elicit the most strident condemnation from all good people, saying all those responsible for this disgrace should be ashamed of themselves.
The statement read: “The news media is awash with the most disturbing display of ignorance currently being showcased in our alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
“The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, an erstwhile rancour-free internal process, has now become a subject of not only intense politicking among the academics and their non-teaching counterparts. The process has, deplorably, been extended to the town with the attendant malcontents.
“The latest news on the invasion of the campus by some Ife indigenes and traditionalists, allegedly, to protest the failure by the authorities to appoint “an Ife indigene”, showcases the extent to which the system has sunk, almost irretrievably.
“This is, perhaps, symptomatic of the pervasive rot in the academia. This thoughtless, reckless and misguided step forebodes untoward occurrences in the future.
“A situation which sees totally extraneous elements to the university environment invade the serene ambience to offer support, presumably solicited and sponsored by those who may have lost out in the selection process, is lamentable. There can be no worse signs than these outward displays of attitudes alien to academia.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune