The management of Ekiti State University (EKSU) Ado Ekiti has described an unfortunate, reckless and unwarranted statement credited to the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke where he mentioned some state-owned universities in Nigeria as quacks and irrelevant.
Professor Emmanuel Osodeke had during an interview granted the Arise Television anchored by Dr Reuben Abati, listed some first-generation universities as the ones that matter most in the ongoing struggle by ASUU.
The management of EKSU while saying it views this denigrating remark about some universities, coming from the National President of ASUU as unfortunate, reckless and unwarranted, pointed out that Ekiti State University is currently the 14th best university in Nigeria out of about 200 universities (federal, state and private) and the second best state-owned university according to the recent Webometric ranking of universities.
“Apart from the above, the university (EKSU) has nearly all its academic programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional regulatory bodies.
“The university is proud to have many top-rated globally recognised academics, and its alumni are making waves both nationally and internationally.
“By the grace of God, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the Governor-elect of Ekiti State is an alumnus and a former lecturer in the university.
“Even in ASUU, a number of staff members of our university had served and still serving in various capacities at zonal and national levels including but not limited to Professor Afolabi Popoola, Dr Sikiru Eniola, Profs. Eddy Olanipekun, Ayan Adeleke and Olu-Olu Olufayo.
“Therefore, categorising EKSU as among the quack and irrelevant universities is a testimony to the fact that the ASUU President is probably uninformed and/or bereft of ideas. This arrant nonsense coming from Comrade Osodeke is totally unacceptable and condemnable.
“The Management calls on Professor Osodeke to toe the path of honour by retracting the provocative remark and tender an unreserved apology without further delay”, a statement signed by Bode Olofinmuagun, Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs of the institution read.