A socio-cultural group in Edo State, Etsako Consciousness, has condemned the appointment of Victor Olawale as Vice-Chancellor of Edo State University, Iyamho, alleging that the process was tainted by nepotism and ethnic bias.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had announced Olawale’s appointment last week. However, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Imonikhe Paul, the group accused the university’s governing council—chaired by Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka—of favouring Olawale despite Prof. Ganiyu Oboh, an indigene of Etsako, reportedly topping the shortlist during the screening exercise.
The group further alleged that the council is dominated by persons of Yoruba extraction, claiming this ethnic tilt influenced the outcome.
Etsako Consciousness called on Governor Okpebholo to investigate the selection process, arguing that the choice undermined merit and the integrity of the institution. It described Oboh’s credentials as “outstanding,” citing his position as Professor of Applied Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), leadership of the Functional Food and Nutraceutical Laboratory Unit, and multiple awards as the best biochemist researcher in Nigeria and Africa. Oboh has also taught at Ambrose Alli University and Auchi Polytechnic.
The group insisted that a state-owned institution’s leadership should prioritise qualified indigenes, warning that ignoring such candidates would demoralise the local community.
“Where, when and why the state governor—visitor of the university—has the right to choose among three shortlisted candidates, it doesn’t mean merit should be kept aside. That would be an insult to the entire Etsako people, both within and outside the country,” the statement read.
It added: “The act and practice of neither recognising indigenes in a contest nor appreciating them would dampen their morale.”
