FUTA
One person Monday lost his life during a protest by some workers of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).
The protesters who were said to be members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) were demanding the sack of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola who was alleged of financial impropriety.
Prof Daramola had since September appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a petition which indicted him.
Workers in the institution had protested on several occasions against the retention of the VC, claiming that his services should be suspended pending the conclusion of investigations by the anti-graft agency.
The protesters who converged on the entrance to the Vice Chancellor’s office as early as 7.00 am prevented the VC and his aides from entering the office.
It was learnt that the driver of one of the vehicles in the entourage of the VC hit one of the protesters while making attempt to reverse the vehicle.
He was said to have been rushed to the hospital, but reportedly died few minutes after.
Although the identity of the deceased could not be ascertained as at press time, it was gathered that the deceased was one of the staff of the University Staff secondary school recently sacked by the management of the university.
The incident reportedly triggered violence in the university campus as many individuals joined them to protest against the incident.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo said he was not aware of the development, saying he was out of the university campus as at the time he was called for reaction.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state Police command, Mr. Femi Joseph said the matter was a vehicular accident, adding that the Police are still investigating the matter.
