Crisis Rocks Fed. University Of Health Sciences, Ila

• Management Sacks Only Anatomy Professor, Colleagues Protest

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, is currently enmeshed in an internal crisis.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the crisis is between the management of the university and some staff of the College of Medicine of the institution. 

The crisis, according to sources, has led to the resignation of senior medical lecturers of the college who were protesting the alleged maltreatment of their colleague, Prof. Tijani Adekilekun, by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akeem Lasisi.

It was gathered that Adekilekun, the Dean of Basic Medical Sciences, had been queried and dismissed from service.

Adekilekun was queried for allegedly instructing students of other programmes in the university to move to the MBBS programme.

A copy of the query dated February 14, 2024, reads: “The University Management has received information alleging that you, Prof. Ahmad Tijani-Adekilekun, Department of Anatomy, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, instructed students of other programmes in the university to move to the MBBS program and start receiving lectures there without any prior approval and knowing fully well that you do not have authority to give such directive(s).

“This action of yours is considered an act of serious misconduct.

“You are therefore requested to explain in writing, within 48 hours of receipt of this query, why disciplinary action should not be taken against you.

“Your representation should be routed through the Provost of your college.”

Adekilekun reportedly replied to the query on the same day, in which he denied instructing any student to move to the MBBS programme.

He urged the school management to do a proper investigation and provide evidence to show that he gave such a directive to students. 

However, Adekilekun’s appointment was terminated two weeks after replying to the query, a development that sparked protest among medical lecturers at the university. 

A copy of the letter of termination of appointment dated February 27, 2024, which was issued to Adekilekun by the Registrar of the university, Mr Kassim Babamale, reads: “I write on behalf of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun to inform you that the University no longer requires your services forthwith.

“In accordance with your letter of engagement as a staff under probation, the Bursar has been directed to pay you three (3) month’s salary in lieu of notice upon submission of your ID card and other properties of the University in your possession.”

Protesting Adekilekun’s dismissal, the medical lecturers said the university management was not fair to him, saying he didn’t deserve to be treated in such a manner. 

In a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, the lecturers said the College of Medical Sciences needed Adekilekun’s service, saying he is the only Professor of Anatomy in the College of Medicine. 

The letter dated February 27, 2024, reads: “On the 14th February, 2024, a query was issued by the Registrar to Prof. Ahmad Tijani-Adekilekun, Department of Anatomy, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences based on information alleging he asked some students to move between programmes without approval. The action was considered to be an act of serious misconduct.

“The query was responded to and the College is not aware of any other process instituted by the University.

“On the 27th February, 2024, he again received a letter a letter titled “Your Services No longer Required” from the Registrar. Just like the query issued to him earlier, the College views this letter as an aberration. This is because the person disengaged is the only Professor of Anatomy in the College of Medicine (COM). 

“He has actively participated in the development of the MBBS curriculum as well as the curriculum of other programmes. He is the initiator of 2 FUHSI-specific and unique courses, BMS 101 (Basic life saving techniques) and ANA 102 (Introduction to Human Anatomy). These unique courses are taught to all FUHSI students. 

“He has anchored several faculty and departmental seminars and remains a valuable member of the COM. Currently; he is the brain behind the ongoing take-off of the anatomy programme because he invited all the other MBBS lecturers to join FUHSI. Despite the efforts at scouting for the lecturers, these new lecturers were employed in the University.

“On behalf of the COM, we protest this ill-treatment of the Dean, FBMS in the following areas: Lack of verified reason for the query of the Dean – an allegation remains an allegation until proven and lack of proper administrative channel for the query and the subsequent actions.

“The COM is in need of the services of the Dean and he remains a valuable member of the COM. The current classes in anatomy for 100 and 200 level students totalling more than 500 rest on his shoulders

The ongoing continuous assessment of students will no longer be possible without him. Other key functions in COM and committees where he effectively functions will be greatly affected. He is a key member of the University community and he is key to the survival of the COM.”

The lecturers demanded unconditional withdrawal of the letter of termination of appointment and query issued to Adekilekun “because it does not reflect the position of the college, saying the allegation was not substantiated.

The letter was signed by Prof. Aishatu Ahmed Gobir, Dr. Sunday Ogunsuyi Popoola, Dr. Sarafadeen Kunle Salami, Dr. Muhammad Fawaz Abubakar, and Dr. Babalola Waheed Olaide.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the College of Medicine lecturers have withdrawn their services to press home their demands.

All efforts to get the reaction of the school management through the registrar proved abortive as his phone number was not connecting.

The registrar did not also reply to a text message sent to his mobile telephone line.