‘Fraudulent, Useless Report’- UNIOSUN Knocks Audit That Listed VC As Ghost Worker

— Threatens Legal Action

Osun State University has accused audit firm Sally Tibbot Consulting of producing a “fraudulent and unprofessional” report after listing its Vice-Chancellor and 249 verified staff as ghost workers, escalating a deepening controversy over the 2023 Osun staff audit.

At a press conference on Saturday, the Vice-Chancellor, Odunayo Clement Adebooye, said the university would pursue legal action if necessary, insisting that the report had damaged the institution’s credibility locally and internationally.

The university described the audit outcome as “an insult” and a “deliberate attempt to smear” its reputation, stating that all affected staff physically presented themselves and completed the verification exercise.

“The consultant classified 250 legitimate workers, including the Vice-Chancellor, as ghost workers. This is not only troubling but professionally indefensible,” Adebooye said.

Audit ‘Riddled With Errors, Ignorance’ – VC

The university said the controversy stemmed from a statewide personnel audit conducted in May/June 2023, whose report has recently resurfaced in public discourse.

According to Adebooye, the process was fundamentally flawed, citing what he described as gross incompetence, poor methodology, and ignorance of university systems.

He said key academic categories such as sabbatical leave, study leave, and visiting appointments were ignored, leading to legitimate staff being wrongly classified.

“The consultant demonstrated a lack of understanding of how universities operate. Staff on legitimate academic leave were tagged as ghost workers,” he said.

Adebooye further alleged that over 1,000 university staff were scheduled for verification in a single day alongside workers from other agencies, forcing professors and senior staff to queue for hours under harsh conditions.

Consultant Accused of Misconduct, ‘Abusive Conduct’

The university also accused the consultant of unprofessional behaviour during the exercise, including verbally abusing staff.

According to Adebooye, the situation became so tense that the Osun State House of Assembly intervened and ordered the suspension of the exercise after summoning the consultant.

‘Our Payroll System Is Foolproof’

Defending its internal processes, the university maintained that its payroll system undergoes monthly verification through a “Salary Checker” mechanism, ensuring only verified staff receive salaries.

Adebooye said the institution currently has 1,463 staff across six campuses, insisting its system does not allow salary padding or ghost workers.

Demand for Apology, Possible Legal Battle

The Vice-Chancellor demanded a formal apology from the consulting firm, warning that the university and affected individuals may seek legal redress.

“This report is baseless and malicious. We will take all necessary steps permitted by law to protect our integrity,” he said.

He added that the university remains open to any credible and professionally conducted audit, expressing confidence that an independent review would validate its records.

‘It Was a Madhouse’ – Declared ‘Ghost Worker’ Speaks

One of those listed as ghost workers, Engineer Ade Adepoju, Director of Works, Maintenance and Physical Planning, dismissed the claim, describing the exercise as chaotic.

“I am not a ghost worker. The exercise was like a madhouse. There were brawls and confusion. The Vice-Chancellor had to step in to calm the situation and appeal to the consultant to act professionally.”

‘I Joined in 2007 – How Am I a Ghost?’

Another affected staff member, Comrade John Olusegun Adebayo, Chairman of SSANU, UNIOSUN branch and a Deputy Registrar, said his inclusion exposed serious flaws in the report.

“I joined this university in 2007 as a pioneer staff. I’m currently a Deputy Registrar. How can I be declared a ghost worker?” he queried.

Adebayo recalled that the exercise triggered widespread outrage among staff, leading to a joint protest and eventual intervention by the Osun State House of Assembly.

“The process was full of errors and incompetence. Once a report contains such fundamental mistakes, it renders the entire document invalid,” he said.