UG Vice-Chancellor Jacob Opadeyi today denounced an online report which quoted him as having purportedly uncovered a “corrupt ring” at the university in addition to the leaking of examination papers.
He identified the purveyor of the false report as the online provider iNews.
His statement said in part:
“While it is commendable that UG has been receiving heightened media coverage in the last few weeks, the lack of first hand information and verification has created much unwarranted unease among major stakeholders of the university. Yesterday’s publication is the most recent in a series of media reportage that appear contradictory and out of context based on my meetings with staff, public engagements and very best of intentions for the development of UG. May I categorically state that at no time did I engage in any formal exchange with iNews, or its reporters, outside of a brief response via email as follows:
“On Wednesday, July 10, 2013, Fareeza Haniff wrote: Dr. Opadeyi, My name is Fareeza Haniff, the Editor of iNews – an online website in Guyana. We’ve spoken several times over the phone. I tried calling you a number of times today, but unfortunately your cell phone is turned off. I am writing this email in connection with reports that iNews has received from staffers of the University of Guyana. As such, I am seeking clarify from you or confirmation on the following information: 1) An audit was conducted at the University of Guyana recently by a team from UWI 2) As a result of the audit, major corruption was discovered within the University, including the sale of examination papers to students by several lecturers. I would appreciate it if you can verify or confirm this information and if this is indeed the case, then can you say what the University plans to do now in terms of tackling this very serious matter? Looking forward to your response as soon as possible and if needs be, you can contact me on telephone numbers (provided). .2 Mission: To discover, generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and of all mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom that allows for free and critical enquiry Thank you.
“Based on the above I responded thus: On 10 July 2013 22:27, jacob opadeyi <jacob.opadeyi@uog.edu.gy> wrote: Dear Ms. Fareeza, Yes, UWI is conducting a Special Audit at UG. The audit will be conducted by September. We have no evidence to support the allegation of sales of examination papers. This is not true. Thank you for contacting me. We can meet on Friday if you need more information. VC.
Ms Haniff’s response read as follows: From: Fareeza Haniff Date: Thursday, July 11, 2013 Dr. Opadeyi, Thank you for your prompt response. I appreciate it. I would be happy to meet with you on Friday. Kindly let me know what time will be best for you. Thank you.
“Based on the foregoing I was most surprised to see yesterday’s publication. I wish to restate that I have nothing but utmost respect for the conventions that speak to the freedom of the press and information. However, it is a very serious and I daresay libellous offence for the media to misappropriate information and seek to tarnish one’s reputation in the process. Not only are such practices unethical, but they speak to the lack of integrity in a very noble profession that must practice fair and ethical reporting. I hereby request that INEWS, and its editors, act responsibly by immediately retracting its story and also issue an apology.
Sincerely
Jacob Opadeyi (Professor) Vice Chancellor, University of Guyana