The authorities of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) in Ondo State, on Tuesday, suspended 23 workers of the institution for insubordination to the Governing Council of the institution.
It will be recalled that FUTA has in the last few weeks embroiled in crisis as a result of an allegation of corruption against the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) of the university.
Following a petition, Prof. Daramola was quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and was later released.
In a new development, the institution in a letter signed by the Registrar, Mrs Modupe Ajayi on Thursday, alleged that the sacked members of staff had been disturbing academic activities on the campus.
The letter gave the names of the affected workers as Dele Durojaye, Mike Opirijit, Remi Egunjobi, Bunmi Ayo -Alafe, Felix Adunbi, Obe Rotimi, Aladesuyi Ajoke, Philip Jayeoba, Akanji Justinah, Bayo Aladerotohun, Adefolarin Adesida and Ruth Bakare.
Other names on the letter included M.P. Faola, S. Arokoyu, J.S. Asante, Thomas Aina, Nelson Njoku, A.E. Omoraka, O.R. Bello, O.M. Fagbamiye-Akinwale and Mathew Fayiwole.
The letter made available to newsmen read in part, “Your action amounts to willful disobedience and act of insubordination to the Governing Council, which is tantamount to misconduct. In this regard, the portion of the letter under reference which states that, ‘Council will, therefore, take appropriate action to restore normalcy if the unions fail to comply with its directive,’ is hereby being effected.
“Consequent upon that, and in consonance with the university’s enabling law, I have been directed that you be put on suspension (on half pay) with effect from Monday, 28th November, 2016, pending the resolution of the matter.
“Accordingly, you are hereby suspended from the services of the university and placed on half pay with effect from 28th November, 2016. You are to hand over all university property in your custody to your Head of Department/Unit.
“In view of the foregoing, you are to stay away from the university campus until further notice.”