…Raises concerns on contract process, staff exits
A contractor with Redeemer’s University, Mr Samuel Oluwafemi Abiodun-Oni, has petitioned the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged irregularities in contract awards at the institution.
Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta, Abiodun-Oni said he had maintained a working relationship with the university since 2011, initially assisting in resolving land disputes during its expansion phase.
He explained that following those engagements, he was occasionally considered for construction contracts, an arrangement he said continued under previous Vice-Chancellors, including Professors Tomori, Adeyewa and Anthony.
However, he alleged that issues began after the appointment of Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele as Vice-Chancellor in December 2023.
According to him, a construction contract initiated in early 2024 did not follow the university’s established tender procedures. He claimed that although about 14 contractors were invited to bid, two contracts were eventually awarded to separate companies allegedly linked to the same director.
Abiodun-Oni said he raised concerns with the Vice-Chancellor and subsequently petitioned the General Overseer of RCCG, Enoch Adeboye, copying the university management.
He disclosed that the institution set up an investigative panel to review the matter, which he claimed recommended the suspension of the projects. However, he alleged that work later resumed despite the panel’s position.
The contractor further stated that he submitted additional petitions to the church leadership and the university’s governing council, and also escalated the matter to the EFCC.
He claimed the Vice-Chancellor was invited by the anti-graft agency but was represented by legal counsel.
Beyond the contract dispute, Abiodun-Oni expressed concern over what he described as a rise in staff resignations under the current administration. He also alleged that staff had been discouraged from engaging with him.
He called on the university’s Board and RCCG leadership to conduct a thorough investigation, noting that the institution was built through contributions from church members.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the Vice-Chancellor and the university’s Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls to their mobile lines were not answered as of press time.
