Osun State University demands formal apology from Sally Tibbot Ltd after 250 staff were wrongly listed as ghost workers in audit report

Osun State University has called on consulting firm Sally Tibbot Ltd to issue a formal apology after a payroll audit reportedly listed 250 staff members as “ghost workers.”

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Vice Chancellor Clement Adebooye told journalists on Saturday that the report, stemming from a May/June 2023 audit commissioned by the Osun State government, misrepresented staff status despite physical verification of personnel.

Adebooye said he himself was listed as a ghost worker.

“The Governing Council and Management of Osun State University view the consultant’s report as being precariously subjective, in bad faith, unprofessional and a deliberate attempt to smear the image and reputation of the University with falsehood and malice,” he said.

Adebooye noted that staff on legitimate sabbatical, study, research, or visiting lecturer leave were incorrectly categorised, questioning the methodology behind the audit.

The university warned that it may pursue legal action if the consulting firm fails to apologise. “We request a formal apology to the institution and affected individuals from Sally Tibbot.

The Vice-Chancellor and eminent Professors have been bombarded by embarrassing calls, messages and letters… We may go to court to seek redress,” Adebooye said.

Attempts to reach Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing.

The controversy has also drawn political attention.

The All Progressives Congress in Osun State urged the ICPC and EFCC to investigate alleged payroll irregularities, while the Peoples Democratic Party defended the verification process and highlighted ongoing payroll reforms by the state government.

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The episode underscores tensions around payroll audits and accountability measures within the Osun State public sector.