The Governing Council Board of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, under the leadership of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Yabub Oseni, Ph.D, has urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false rumours and allegations surrounding the institution’s ongoing recruitment exercise.
In a statement released by the council and made available to newsmen on Saturday, the university management reaffirmed its commitment to equity, justice, transparency, and inclusivity in all administrative and recruitment processes.
The council stated that recent claims alleging religious bias and lopsidedness in the recruitment exercise were unfounded and misleading, stressing that the institution’s leadership structure reflects a deliberate balance aimed at promoting fairness and national unity.
According to the statement, the university’s Principal Officers consist of three Muslims and two Christians, while the Governing Council itself is equally balanced with three Muslims and three Christians.
“The strength of FUNATO lies in its diversity,” the statement read. “This deliberate composition ensures that every decision made at the highest level of the university is inclusive, representative, and focused on the collective progress of the institution and the nation.”
The university further disclosed that the recruitment and appointment exercise, which commenced interviews on April 27, 2026, is being conducted in strict compliance with guidelines established by the Federal Character Commission, the National Universities Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
“The process is guided by the rules of engagement stipulated by relevant federal agencies to ensure fairness, merit, and equal representation,” the statement added.
The council maintained that allegations of religious favouritism were “mathematically impossible” under the existing oversight mechanisms put in place by the regulatory bodies.
Highlighting the university’s achievements since its establishment, the management noted that the successful matriculation of its pioneer students and the rapid pace of infrastructural and academic development were made possible by the peaceful atmosphere within the institution and host community.
The Governing Council therefore appealed to the people of Okeho, the wider Oke-Ogun region, and Nigerians at large not to allow misinformation to distract the university from its developmental goals.
“We urge the good people of Okeho and the general public to disregard attempts by a few elements to sabotage the university’s progress through misinformation and false allegations,” the council stated. “Such distractions only hinder opportunities being created for the youth and surrounding communities.”
The institution also reiterated its open-door policy, encouraging stakeholders with genuine concerns to channel them directly to the university management for dialogue and clarification.
“The University Management and Governing Council remain united and focused on ensuring that FUNATO becomes a beacon of excellence, merit, and regional harmony,” the statement concluded.