The Management of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN), has disowned a fake Facebook account created in the name of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, using his photograph as its display picture.
In a disclaimer issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Esan, the institution said the account had been used to contact members of the public and individuals under the guise of the Vice-Chancellor, including making procurement-related requests and circulating other false and unauthorised information.
The University described the account as fraudulent and urged members of the public to disregard any message, solicitation or request emanating from it or any other unauthorised social media account purporting to represent the Vice-Chancellor.
According to the disclaimer, Professor Aribisala has no connection whatsoever with the account and does not operate a Facebook account.
“The Vice-Chancellor does not operate a Facebook account and has not authorised anyone to create, operate or communicate on his behalf through any Facebook account,” the statement reads in part.
The University also clarified that the Vice-Chancellor is not responsible for the University’s procurement processes, stressing that all procurement-related enquiries, requests and official communications should be directed to the Directorate of Procurement through the appropriate official channels.
Management further cautioned members of the public against making payments, releasing funds, sharing sensitive information or entering into any transaction based on instructions purportedly issued by the Vice-Chancellor through unofficial channels.
The University consequently advised members of the public to rely only on its verified official communication channels for information concerning the Vice-Chancellor and the institution.
