The Management of Ekiti State University (EKSU), has condemned the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke for referring to some state-owned universities in Nigeria as quacks and irrelevant on national television.
According to a statement signed by the school’s Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Bode Olofinmuagun, the university “views this denigrating remark about some universities, coming from the National President of ASUU as unfortunate, reckless and unwarranted.”
The statement reads, “Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti is currently the 14th best university in Nigeria out of about 200 universities (Federal, State & Private) and the 2nd best State 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 at the University. Even in ASUU, several staff 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, categorizing 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 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.”