The Coalition of Indigenous People of Ondo State Against Corruption has raised concerns over what it describes as irregular appointments and promotions at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo.
In a statement signed by Mr. Love Olawumi, the group alleged that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adesegun Olayiwola Fatusi, has been making questionable non-academic appointments, allegedly favoring individuals connected to political associates and friends, despite a lack of vacancies. The coalition also accused the Governing Council, led by Prof. Ayodele Arowojolu, of enabling these actions, which they warned could push the institution into financial distress.
According to the group, UNIMED’s wage bill has surged from ₦59 million to ₦120 million in just one year, largely due to these alleged indiscriminate appointments and promotions. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) had earlier warned about the dangers of overstaffing, citing the example of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, which struggled with salary payments due to a bloated workforce.
The coalition has called on Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to take immediate action to prevent the university from slipping into financial crisis.
“UNIMED must not be allowed to collapse under the weight of political patronage and mismanagement. We urge the university’s management and governing council to prioritize merit, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to safeguard the institution’s reputation as a leading medical university,” the statement read.
The group has urged all relevant stakeholders to ensure that decisions within UNIMED are guided by due process and accountability to prevent long-term damage to the institution’s financial health.
