Etsako Consciousness, a socio-cultural group in Edo state, has criticised the appointment of Victor Olawale as the vice-chancellor of Edo State University in Iyamho.
Last week, Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo state, appointed Olawale as the new VC of the institution.
But in a statement by Imonikhe Paul, chairman of the Etsako Consciousness, the group alleged the process sidelined merit in favour of nepotism.
The group accused the university’s governing council, chaired by Olusegun Akinyinka of favouring Olawale, adding that Ganiyu Oboh, a native of Etsako, who reportedly came top at the screening, was ignored.
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The group said the council is populated by members who are of Yoruba ethnic group, which it alleged influenced Olawale’s appointment.
It appealed to the governor to investigate the process that led to Olawale’s recommendation, noting that the decision ignored merit and undermined the integrity of the university.
The group cited Oboh’s impressive credentials, including being a professor of applied biochemistry at Federal University of Technology (FUTA), head of the Functional Food and Nutraceutical Laboratory Unit, winner of best biochemist researcher in Nigeria and Africa.
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He has worked at the Ambrose Alli University and Auchi Polytechnic.
The Etsako Consciousness argued that the highest position in the state-owned institution should prioritise indigenes, adding that overlooking qualified locals would demoralise them.
“Where, when and why the state Governor/visitor of the school has the right to choose among the three shortlisted candidates, it doesn’t mean merit should be kept aside. That would be an insult to the entire Etsako people both within and outside the Country,” the statement reads.
“The act and practice of neither recognizing the indigenes in a contest nor appreciating them, would dampen their moral.”
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