The Management of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, has dismissed as false and malicious an allegation that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, orchestrated a threat to the life of the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Isaac Oluyi, the Management described a recent publication by Sahara Reporters on the matter as a calculated attempt to malign the Vice-Chancellor and destabilise the institution.
According to the statement, the allegation of a threat to life is “cheap blackmail” by individuals uncomfortable with the reforms being implemented by the Vice-Chancellor, who assumed office barely four months ago. The Management noted that Professor Adejuyigbe inherited an institution weighed down by nepotism and sectional interests and has since taken decisive steps to restore accountability and reposition UNIMED for progress.
UNIMED, described as a model medical institution with national and international recognition, lamented that some elements within the University were attempting to run the institution as an extension of personal or communal interests. The statement added that such individuals often resort to name-calling, rumour-mongering, and blackmail whenever their demands are not met.
The Management explained that a town hall meeting was convened on 20 November 2025 to clarify contentious issues raised by SSANU, including matters relating to the Bursar, staff employed between January and March 2025—before the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment—and the renewal of the appointment of the Director of the Centre for Gender and Health Equity.
It was revealed at the meeting that the Non-Academic Staff Technologists (NAAT) was not part of the alleged agitation, contrary to claims made in a circulated letter. The Chairman of NAAT reportedly dissociated the union from the matter, exposing the authors of the letter as having used the union’s name without authorisation.
The statement alleged that following this exposure, a narrative of being trailed by unidentified persons was fabricated to attract sympathy and divert attention. When this failed, the Management said, the matter was escalated to the media through what it described as sensational and unfounded reports.
UNIMED stated unequivocally that Professor Adejuyigbe neither orchestrated nor authorised any threat to the life of the SSANU Chairman or any member of the union, stressing that she has remained focused on her lawful duties and the overall progress of the University.
The Management, however, issued an ultimatum to Mr. Seyi Abayomi, asking him to publish a rejoinder in two national newspapers within one week to retract the alleged claims or face legal action.
“Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe remains committed to transparency, due process, and the restoration of UNIMED’s academic and administrative integrity,” the statement added.
