The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, has come out in defense of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, against allegations of muzzling the Muslim community on campus.
In a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Opoola described Fasina as “a highly religiously tolerant leader and brother” who has supported the Muslim community in various ways. He cited several examples, including Fasina’s funding of the construction of a mosque on campus and his attendance at Convocation Jumaat services.
Opoola also listed several Muslim appointments to key positions under Fasina’s tenure, including himself as DVC, Administration; the Registrar, Alhaji Mufutau Ibrahim; and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Oyedokun Wasiu-Alli.
He dismissed claims of animosity between the VC and the Muslim community, saying, “There is no animosity between the Muslim community and the VC and other parties in FUOYE where we all relate with one another in peace and harmony and like brothers and sisters on the campus irrespective of our faith divides.”
Opoola’s statement was in reaction to allegations by the Muslim Rights Concerns leader, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, that Fasina had prevented Muslims from attending Jumaat prayers on two recent occasions due to scheduled programs.
However, Opoola clarified that the recently conducted Congregation on campus was scheduled to hold from 10am to 12pm on a Friday, and Muslim members were able to attend Jumaat service and return without hindrance. He also noted that the inaugural lecture in question was delayed by management to commence by 3pm, after the Jumaat service.
Opoola commended MURIC’s concern for the welfare of Muslims in FUOYE but emphasized the need to inform the public of Fasina’s positive stand on promoting Islam on campus.
