The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), a beacon of educational advancement for the Oke-Ogun region, finds itself embroiled in controversy as Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, raises
serious concerns over recent appointments and administrative practices.
The group, in a statement released on Saturday, May 16, 2026, by its State Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has called for an urgent review of all processes under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi.
MURIC, while commending the Federal Government for establishing FUNATO, expressed profound dissatisfaction with what it perceives as a lack of equity, transparency, and inclusiveness in the university’s formative stages.
The organization highlighted the
appointment of several individuals to key academic positions, including Professors Emmanuel Adegbenga Adekoya, Egbeyale, Godwin Olutona, Ojoawo, and Awodoyin as Deans across various faculties.
While acknowledging their academic competence, MURIC questioned the process leading to these appointments and the perceived imbalance in
representation, which has reportedly generated widespread concern among stakeholders.
Further compounding the issue, MURIC criticized the resource verification exercise conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC), alleging it lacked transparency and inclusiveness.
The exercise was reportedly compressed into a single day without adequate communication, effectively excluding many qualified participants.
The group noted that subsequent appointments appeared to be drawn largely from this limited pool, fueling concerns about fairness and equal opportunity.
Additionally, reports of disproportionate representation along religious lines in the appointment of Deans and Heads of the Departments have further intensified the outcry.
MURIC emphasized that as a federal institution, FUNATO must embody Nigeria’s diversity and adhere to the federal character principle, warning against the marginalization or exclusion of any group—religious, ethnic, otherwise—at such a critical juncture.
The organization clarified that its intervention is not driven by bias but by a commitment to upholding due process, fairness, justice, equity, inclusiveness, which are vital for national unity and institutional credibility.
In response to these grave concerns, MURIC has urged the Governing Council of FUNATO, the National Universities Commission, the Federal Ministry of Education, other relevant stakeholders, including traditional rulers community leaders in Oke-Ogun, to immediately investigate and review all appointments and processes.
The group affirmed its commitment to closely monitoring FUNATO’s activities to ensure the institution remains true to its federal mandate and does not become a platform for sectional or religious
dominance.
MURIC concluded by stressing that the integrity and future of FUNATO must not
be compromised, advocating for equity, transparency, and inclusiveness to guide all actions, thereby positioning university as symbol of unity, excellence, and national development.
