Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Petitions Police Over Threat To Life By Bursar

Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Clinical Services

Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration and Clinical Services at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, Ondo State, has lodged accusations against Muritala Steve Shittu, the institution's Bursar, alleging assault, battery, and threats to life.

In a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Prof. Loto detailed an incident that took place on February 15th at approximately 9 am within the council chambers of the University. He claimed that during a scheduled 21st statutory meeting of the Governing Council to discuss critical university matters, including a petition he had submitted regarding procurement law violations involving the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Olayiwola Fatusi, the Bursar, Mr. Muritala Steve Oluwanife Shittu, and the University Registrar, Dr. Woleola J. Ekundayo, Shittu physically assaulted him.

According to the petition drafted by his lawyer, Dara Akinbo, Prof. Loto asserted that Shittu aggressively elbowed him twice upon entering the chambers, even confirming his intent to do so. Prof. Loto managed to maintain his composure to avoid escalating the situation, awaiting the arrival of other council members. Furthermore, he highlighted receiving anonymous threats to his life via incessant phone calls, attributing them to Shittu.

When contacted Shittu refuted the allegations, dismissing them as unfounded. He argued that the incident merely involved incidental physical contact during a board/council meeting and questioned the severity of the accusations.

Prof. Loto had previously petitioned the Governing Council concerning financial mismanagement allegations against Vice-Chancellor Professor Adesegun Olayiwola and Shittu. The petition cited instances of procurement fraud, including the fraudulent purchase of vehicles at inflated prices, disregard for due process, and the manipulation of procurement processes for personal gain.

Prof. Loto's petition also highlighted concerns regarding the mismanagement of funds within the Procurement Department and the Department of Work, Services, and Physical Planning, implicating specific individuals allegedly involved in these activities.

In light of these allegations, Prof. Loto called for a comprehensive investigation into the financial practices and conduct of the implicated parties, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement laws within the university's administration.