Protesters, under the aegis of the Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes Against Corruption (COIAC), have called for the immediate removal of Professor Adesegun Fatusi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo. The demand comes just eight months before the end of his tenure.
Spokesperson for the group, Feyi Emmanuel, stated that they marched to the governor’s office because they believe the institution is deteriorating under Fatusi’s leadership. Emmanuel highlighted that they would not stand by and allow the university to decline.
“We marched from Ondo town to Akure to alert Governor Aiyedatiwa of the ongoing issues at UNIMED,” Emmanuel said. “The institution, once a pride of Ondo State, is now in a sorry state. It is critical to rescue it from Fatusi’s mismanagement. Our demand is straightforward: Fatusi must go. He has financially crippled the institution and prioritized non-indigenes in staffing.”
The protesters also called for a financial audit of UNIMED, claiming the university is nearing bankruptcy under the current administration.
In response, Isaac Oluyi, the institution’s spokesman, dismissed the allegations as baseless and the work of detractors. Oluyi defended Fatusi’s tenure, citing significant accomplishments and growth at UNIMED.
“This is Nigeria’s first specialized medical sciences university, which has flourished under Professor Fatusi’s leadership,” Oluyi stated. “The university’s achievements are visible and undeniable. UNIMED is ranked as the 4th best state-owned university in Nigeria, which contradicts claims of mismanagement. We invite the public to witness the progress and development firsthand.”
The clash of perspectives highlights the growing tension and differing views on the administration and future of UNIMED under Professor Fatusi.
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