The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, has dismissed claims of plans to spend N65 million on the institution’s anniversary, describing same as untrue and unfounded.
According to a statement issued through the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Isaac Oluyi, the allegation by a union in the school and reported by an online media outlet, was described as “laughable and mischievous”.
Prof. Fatusi, “The publication is, at best, a distortion of facts and an uninformed portrayal of the significance of the university’s 10th anniversary. It is imperative to state that this approach of ‘calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it’ is becoming increasingly unbecoming.”
Prof. Fatusi emphasised that his financial acumen and dedication to transparency have enabled the university to achieve significant progress over the past five years. He criticised the allegations as not only strange but also a calculated attempt to discredit his leadership.
In his words: “It is unfortunate that a highly respected union within the university (SSANU) went to the press on this matter without first exploring internal mechanisms to understand the issues at stake. This smacks of ulterior motives, which may not be unrelated to attempts to attack the personality of the Vice-Chancellor.
“In fact, the accusation of financial recklessness is laughable, given that the same university, being unfairly criticised by certain mischievous individuals within the system, was recently recognised, celebrated, and rewarded for excellence by the Ondo State Government.”
Prof. Fatusi also criticised the media outlet that published the story, accusing it of violating the principles of balanced journalism. “The media outfit failed to seek the institution’s opinion on the matter, instead aligning with a mischief-maker eager to carry out a dirty job for the union,” he said.
Clarifying the matter, he added: “While it is false that the university is spending N65 million on its 10th anniversary, the public needs to understand that the celebration is aimed at showcasing the institution’s remarkable achievements and galvanising further support for its development.
“The university is, in fact, adopting a fundraising approach to finance the anniversary activities. It should also be noted that a significant portion of the budget is allocated to the development of the new campus, which will host the convocation ceremony.”
Prof. Fatusi highlighted that the land for the university’s permanent site was secured under his administration, which has been systematically developing the site to ensure operations begin there by the 10th anniversary. “This is a major step towards changing the narrative of UNIMED being the only government-owned institution in Ondo State not operating from a permanent site,” he added.
He concluded: “The 10th anniversary is not a jamboree. It is an innovative initiative to further develop the university, carried out with the full support of the Governing Council.”
