FUOYE Reform: Group Calls for Federal Funding Boost, Hails Anti-extortion Drive

A civil society organization, the Partnership for Ethical Governance (PEG), has urged the federal government to boost funding for the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) amid an ongoing reform drive. The call follows an independent assessment by PEG, which presented its findings to journalists in Ado-Ekiti. The assessment highlights the institution's focus on infrastructure, research, digital technology, and energy, as well as a zero-tolerance policy against extortion and unethical practices.

PEG commends the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, for his decisive steps to strengthen institutional governance and enforce the anti-extortion measures, a move that comes after years of negative publicity surrounding the university. The group's assessment revealed significant improvements in administrative discipline, transparency, and institutional direction, including the adoption of an eight-point covenant with the university community.

PEG also lauded FUOYE's efforts to strengthen its research profile through a commitment to research funding, plans for an independent energy plant, and initiatives towards digital transformation. In addition, the university's renewed emphasis on community engagement positions it as a partner in the development of its host communities.

However, PEG emphasizes that the scale of the reforms requires stronger federal intervention to ensure sustained gains. The group urges the government to prioritize funding for infrastructure expansion, research, digital technology, energy development, and specialized academic facilities, as well as the timely deployment of special intervention funds for institutions expanding medical and engineering programs.