Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has invited the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Anthony Elujoba and the Bursar, Mrs Aderonke Akeredolu for interrogation over alleged diversion of N1.4 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the EFCC Ibadan
Zonal office invited the vice chancellor and the and bursar of
OAU to appear at its office in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Mr Ayo Oyewole, the Head of Public Affairs, EFCC Ibadan Zonal
office told newsmen that the duo were invited for interrogation
over alleged illegal and corruptly diverting N1.4billion.
He said that the EFCC had acted on a petition it received that
the duo allegedly diverted the said amount illegally without
approval.

According to him, in the petition they were alleged to have
diverted the amount without approval from the Federal Ministry
of Education and the institution’s governing council.

“The said amount was used to settle some allowances, out of
which the VC paid himself N7million as furniture allowance.
“He was also said to have paid others varied allowances from
the said amount,” he said.

However, there was drama at the EFCC office over the
interrogation of the duo as various associations from the
institution besieged the office in solidarity with the VC and the
bursar.

Among the associations are the Students Union Government
(SUG) members, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), all
of OAU chapter.

Others are Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities
(SSANU) and hosts of others.

Dr Niyi Sunmonu, the Caretaker Chairman, ASUU, OAU said that
the VC and others could defend themselves, saying the VC had
done much in the interest of peace for the institution.
He said that the VC had in the last five months of his
assumption had turned around the institution positively.

Mr Ademola Oketunde, the SSANU Chairman, OAU said that it
was better that Nigerians started addressing issues objectively.
He said that the VC had run a transparent administration to the
extent that everyone in the institution took him for his words.

Oketunde said that the VC had set up task forces to investigate
the activities of the institution, out of which some had
submitted their reports.

“I hope these are not a ploy by some, who might have the fear
of being caught to frame up the man.

“We are not here to prevent investigation and we believe he will
come out clean. No one will allow his head to be cut off,” he
said.

Mr Olusola Fadele, the SUG Electoral Chairman, OAU said that
they were in Ibadan because they believed there was no “fire
without smoke’’.

“We were surprised to hear the VC was being probed. We are
not against people being probed but not someone who has
achieved so much in five months.

“People like Prof. Bamitale Omole, who was alleged of gross
mismanagement was not probed by the EFCC,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Olusoji Adeyosoye, the Vice Chairman, NAAT said
that they had come to solidarise with the duo as lovers of
peace and positive advancement of the institution.

Adeyosoye said that the VC since he came to office had been
very superb in terms of achievements for the institution.

“The institution is having a good time under his administration
and such is what we all craved for. He is transparent and we are sure he will come out clean,” he
said.

The VC and the bursar are still being interrogated as at the time of filling the report.