UNIOSUN new VC okays sack of randy lecturer, Ojoniyi over illicit sex with student

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, Professor Labode Popoola has okayed the dismissal of a lecturer at the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Dr. Olabode Wale Ojoniyi for engaging in illicit sex with a student of the institution, Miss Mercy Ikwue.

Ojoniyi

It was learnt that the embattled lecturer has written a letter to the management of the university to protest his dismissal and demanded that he must be reinstated. 

In his letter of appeal, according to a source, Ojoniyi claimed that he was set up and that he was not ready to leave the university.

But, in his maiden press briefing at the main campus of the university in Osogbo, on Tuesday, the new VC who assumed duty this week said the dismissal of Ojoniyi followed due process and that the decision to disengage him was in order.

Professor Popoola expressed disappointment that a lecturer who was supposed to be a father and mentor to his students could engage in such 'immoral' act that brought his name to disrepute. 

When asked whether Ojoniyi's doctorate degree could be withdrawn, the VC said “Degrees are worked for and earned. Degrees are issued on learning and character. I’m not in best position to speak on his degree. The university that awarded him the degree is in position to do so.”

Professor Popoola urged the media and other stakeholders in the state to put the Ojoniyi’s sex scandal behind and support his vision to take the university to greater heights.

The VC said he has put machineries in place to ensure moral and value re-orientation and assured the students and their parents that such ugly incident would no longer be experienced in the university.

He said, "Teaching, learning and community service never stopped at any time despite the crisis. The crisis might have affected morale and confidence of some but it has not stopped us from working and moving on.

"All the stakeholders have agreed to put the challenges behind us and move forward. We enjoin everyone, including the media to join us so that we can take UNIOSUN to greater heights."