PRESS STATEMENT
The Coalition of Ondo Indigenes against corruption, led by Comrade Love Olawunmi and Jonathan Obatola, has described the compulsory leave handed to the Bursar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Mr. Muritala Shittu, as a step in the right direction. The Coalition stated that the decision would bring much-needed relief to the University community, given what it described as the Bursar’s unbecoming conduct.
According to the Coalition, the move, approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is a welcome and necessary decision and a direct response to serious allegations contained in the report of the visitation panel to UNIMED that was submitted to the Government, and upon which the Government’s White Paper was based. The panel’s findings alleged that Mr. MSO Shittu was involved in contract splitting, inflation of contract sums, tax evasion, unwholesome use of cash advances to the tune of hundreds of millions of naira, usurping the role of the procurement unit by directly and indirectly purchasing all the University’s vehicles, in transactions running into over one billion naira.
The Coalition commended Governor Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for demonstrating decisive leadership in the face of manipulations, lies, and falsehood peddled by various interests. It further urged the Governor to act on the panel’s recommendations, institute a comprehensive audit of the University’s finances, and ensure that Mr.MSO Shittu refunds all misappropriated funds once confirmed by the auditors. The Coalition expressed confidence that this compulsory leave will, in due course, result in the Bursar’s removal from office and give the university the much desired peace and progress.
