By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The management of Osun State University has demanded a formal apology from audit firm Sally Tibbot Ltd after the firm allegedly listed 250 verified staff as ghost workers in a payroll audit conducted in Osogbo, Osun State. Vice Chancellor Clement Adebooye made the demand on Saturday, accusing the consultant of issuing a flawed report and threatening legal action if the firm fails to apologise.
University Rejects Audit Findings
The controversy began after Bakrin-Ottun alleged that the Osun State Government ignored findings identifying about 15,000 ghost workers and retirees on the payroll.
However, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, rejected the claim. He accused the consultant of inflating figures to earn higher commission.
Meanwhile, the university strongly disputed the audit outcome. According to Adebooye, the firm listed 250 staff members as ghost workers despite documented physical verification.
He stated that he personally underwent verification during the audit. Yet, the report still classified him as a ghost worker. Additionally, 249 other verified staff faced the same classification.
Methodology Under Scrutiny
The university questioned the method used to compile the ghost workers list. Management insisted that physical verification records contradict the consultant’s claims.
“The University unequivocally questions the methodological basis upon which the ghost workers list was drawn,” Adebooye said.
He explained that the consultant misunderstood university employment structures. These include sabbatical leave, study leave, visiting lecturer appointments and research leave.
Consequently, the report allegedly classified legitimate staff on approved leave as ghost workers.
Political Reactions Trail Report
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the alleged payroll irregularities.
APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi said authorities must determine the extent of involvement of all parties.
In response, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defended the state government. State chairman Sunday Bisi argued that the opposition was protecting a consultant whose figures were disproved during verification.
He urged stakeholders to focus on ongoing payroll reforms instead of politicising the issue.
Legal Action Looms
The Governing Council and Management described the consultant’s report as subjective and unprofessional. They also labelled it a deliberate attempt to damage the university’s reputation.
Therefore, the institution demanded a formal apology from Sally Tibbot Ltd. The university warned it would approach the court if the firm refuses to retract the report.
As tensions rise, the Osun State University ghost workers audit controversy continues to spark debate across political and academic circles.
