Barely 72 hours after an unauthorized individual was discovered and arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for cyber-related offences, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has uncovered another intruder on its official staff WhatsApp platform.
The latest development, confirmed through a joint investigation by members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Educational Institutions (NASU), has raised fresh concerns over digital security within the university’s online communication channels.
According to sources within the university, the newly identified intruder, known by the codename “Ajasa,” was found to have gained access to multiple FUOYE staff platforms, including the Joint Action Committee (JAC3) platform, which comprises NAAT, NASU, and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). He was also active on SSANU-specific platforms.
A statement issued by a member of the platform, Alabi Ajao, explained that the discovery was made after NAAT and NASU directed all members of the JAC3 platform to submit their details for verification.
This action was prompted by the recent revelation that another intruder had infiltrated the platform, allegedly to cause disruption and intimidate staff members who held opposing views.
Following Ajasa’s failure to verify his identity within the given ultimatum, NAAT and NASU issued a formal statement titled “Addressing Ajasa’s Operations on the JAC3 Platform.”
The statement read in part: “Ajasa, it is obvious that you were added to this platform to cause mayhem. Now that the ultimatum given to you to disclose your identity has expired, and you have failed to provide any verification, it is assumed that you are not a registered member of this platform. Your continued presence here is deemed illegal.”
The unions further pledged to investigate how Ajasa was added to the platform and to take necessary action against those responsible. As a result, he was immediately removed from the JAC3 platform.
In a victory message circulated among union members, concerns were raised about the ongoing security threats on the university’s communication platforms.
The message read: “Freedom at last on JAC3! Now, the attack will persist on SSANU platforms, and the same executives who spend our dues monthly will continue to encourage and support such assaults. I hope members of staff are watching, and I wish newly recruited staff intending to join unions in FUOYE understand what SSANU currently represents.”
The message further emphasized that while disagreements are expected in unionism, allowing non-members to infiltrate platforms to attack the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, and staff members is a serious issue that may require intervention from the unions’ national leadership.
As investigations continue, FUOYE’s staff unions have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of their communication platforms and preventing future security breaches.
