News
Current situation in LAUTECH: Management finally breaks silence.
IT has become imperative for Management to put the records straight regarding the current situation in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, more so, that the general public is being fed with a lot of untruth on the issues involved.
This Administration came into office on July 29, 2011 at the height of the ownership crisis which threatened the very existence of the University. The entire membership of staff was polarised along ethnic divides resulting in serious distrust. This took its tolls on the academic programmes of the University with many of them, including medical programme, losing their accreditation.
The daunting challenges notwithstanding, the Administration braced up and with the strategies put in place, peace returned to the University and until June 2016, tremendous progress and achievements were recorded. Some of these are highlighted as follow:
1. On the Use of IGR to Augment subventions from State Governments and pay Salary
The total sum of Nineteen billion, one hundred and seven million, one hundred and fifty four thousand, five hundred and forty Naira, sixty six kobo (=N=19,107,154,540.66) only being the total salaries excluding casual labour wages for the period between January, 2012 to December, 2016 was paid by this Management. A total sum of eleven billion, ninety-eight million, seven hundred and seventy three thousand, nine hundred and fifty eight Naira and fifty six kobo (=N=11,098,773,958.56) only represents the total subvention released by the States for the same period.
Out of this amount, the Government of Oyo State contributed a total sum of Seven billion, five hundred and forty seven million, one hundred and thirty-eight thousand, one hundred and fifty-seven Naira, twenty four kobo (=N=7,547,138,157:24) only while the State of Osun paid a total subvention of Three billion, five hundred and fifty one million, six hundred and thirty five thousand, eight hundred and one Naira, thirty two kobo (=N=3,551,635,801:32) only within the stated period.
If we deduct the total amount paid as subventions by the two State Governments from the expected subventions due to the University within the period, it gives a difference of Six billion, Seven hundred and forty eight million, seven hundred and fifty seven thousand, eight hundred and seventy one Naira and fifty kobo (=N=6,748,757,871.50) only which was what the present Management used to augment the subvention released by the two States during this period using IGR. Please note that the two State Governments did not provide a kobo as running or Capital Grants to the University during the period.
When the University began to experience funding challenges in 2014, (owing to non-release of subventions, first by the State of Osun and later by Oyo State) Management was constrained by its desire not to allow a reversal of the good progress being made; it, therefore resorted to using Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to pay salaries. The reasoning then was that Management could not be watching staff members starving while funds (which they actually worked for) are kept in banks for the benefits of the banks. This decision was taken after due consultation with the Staff Unions and approval sought from the Governing Council.
It is important to note that all of these were made possible because of the commitment and cooperation of the members of the University community particularly the members of the Management who agreed to make sacrifices in forgoing some legitimate perquisites. Some of them are non-collection of Imprest for over two (2) years, reduction of per diem of members of Management while on official trip/assignment, non-attendance of conferences, seminars and workshops to mention some but a few.
2. Use of IGR for other staff welfare since 2011
Before the assumption of office of this Management, a sum of Two hundred and fifty million Naira (=N=250,000,000:00) only being the balance of loan obtained by one of the past Administrations was settled by the present Administration using Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The sum of Ten million Naira (=N=10,000,000:00)only being loan obtained by the past Management of LAUTECH Ventures was also outstanding and only got settled by this Management using IGR. The Council and Management then put in place the process of complete reorganisation of the Ventures with a view to meeting the economic challenges and generating expected revenue to the University. This process was at the final stage of implementation before the commencement of the industrial strike actions embarked upon by the unions on campus last year.
Another debt of One hundred and thirteen million, five hundred and thirty three thousand and sixty five Naira, sixty eight kobo (=N= 113,533,065.68) only, representing the outstanding retirees’ gratuity was settled by the present Management, on assumption of office, using IGR. In addition to this, about four (4) months’ salary deductions and promotion arrears were inherited by this Management and settled using IGR.
The total sum of One billion, eight hundred and twenty nine million, twenty six thousand, nine hundred and forty four Naira, forty six kobo(=N=1,829,026,944.46) only being the arrears of CONUSS/CONPUA and Hazard Allowances on the assumption of duty of the present Administration and was equally settled using IGR.
The total sum of One billion, five hundred and ninety eight million, five hundred and sixteen thousand, thirty nine Naira and seventy six kobo(=N=1,598,516,039.76) only being arrears of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and Earned Allowances (EA) was paid to workers between 2012 and 2013 also using IGR. It should be noted that the Federal Government made provisions for the payment of these arrears to Federal Universities. The University Management wrote several letters to the Owner-States for the refund of this amount paid on their behalf to the workers up till date the refund is yet to be effected.
Furthermore, In order to ensure transparency and prudency, Management had always involved the Staff Unions in the decisions to disburse the IGR. A University Finance Committee with its membership drawn from all the Unions and the Management, has been put in place.
3. Academic Activities
Given the peaceful atmosphere and a little motivation to the staff, the University was able to run its academic calendars smoothly. Two convocation ceremonies were held in 2014 and 2015 in addition to the installation of the Chancellor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This was made possible by the selfless contributions of the University Staff and approval by Senate and Council.
All the academic programs, including the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB, BS)
regained accreditations from the different Professional Bodies and the National Universities Commission (NUC). The academic culture of inaugural lectures was restored. Both students and staff shone brilliantly at National and International conferences and competitions winning laurels. The University made good progress as regards collaborations and linkages with Universities within and outside Nigeria.
4. Operating ninety seven (97) Bank Accounts
It is important to state that majority of the bank accounts were opened and maintained by the past Administrations and inherited by the present Administration in 2011 when it assumed office. It is equally important to state that the decision to prune down the number of accounts was recommended by Management and approved by Council. This is contrary to claims made by the representatives of the two Governments. Up till today, there is no single correspondence from either Oyo or Osun States before the University Management to operate a Treasury Single Account.
5. Bursary Department having ten (10) Chief Accountants
The University was established twenty seven (27) years ago and has been expanding both in size and operations. The staff of Bursary Department just like that of any other departments in the University was inherited by this Administration and the staff has just been growing with the University. It is pertinent to state that the present Administration since its assumption of office in 2011 has employed only one staff who is a professional to head the Public and Alumni Relation Unit (PARU) of the University to work on the redemption of the battered image of the University as a result of the ownership crises during the past Administration in the year 2010.
6. Bursary Department Using Manual Accounting System
Since the inception of this Administration a lot of efforts have been made by Council and Management to ensure that the operations of both Bursary and Audit Departments are computerised. The process of awarding the contract was at the final stage awaiting the approval at the next Council meeting before the commencement of the industrial action embarked upon by the unions on campus last year.
7. Comparing LAUTECH with UNIOSUN
LAUTECH was licensed on 23rd April, 1990 and commenced academic business on 19th October, 1990 twenty (27) years ago while UNIOSUN was licensed on 21st December, 2006 and commenced operations on 21st September, 2007 precisely ten (10) years ago, comparing these two Universities may not give a fair result for the following reasons:
Age of the two Universities which tends to make LAUTECH to be bigger than UNIOSUN in terms of size and operating costs/overheads;
The staff strength of LAUTECH is higher than that of UNIOSUN in view of the age of the later.
The retirement benefits being paid monthly and annually by LAUTECH cannot be compared with that of UNIOSUN.
8. The KPMG Issue
The University has been in communication with the KPMG and in the latest mail received on Monday, June 5, 2017, the organisation stated categorically that a new date for the commencement of the auditing would be conveyed to the University once some contractual issues are sorted out with Oyo State Government. Management had indeed confirmed its readiness to cooperate with KPMG knowing fully well that the audit exercise would be in the interest of the University on the long run.
9. Concluding Remark
Management wishes to appreciate the concern of all stakeholders especially the Governments and people of the two Owner-States of Oyo and Osun and indeed all Nigerians who are contributing their own quota to the efforts to resolve the crisis in LAUTECH. The students should please know that all the stakeholders share in their plight and are determined to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The cooperation and support of the Staff Unions to the concerted efforts being made towards moving the University forward are well appreciated.
Given the determination of the Governments of the two Owner-States to end the crisis in the shortest time possible, it is certain that normalcy will return to the University soon. Management also hopes that the University will soon be able to resume its progressive march towards the highest level of excellence.
The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish state police services across the country, a major milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The proposed legislation introduces a dual policing framework comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, effectively replacing the existing structure under which policing is exclusively controlled by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force.
The bill was passed after Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, presented its general principles on the floor of the Red Chamber.
It subsequently scaled second reading, underwent a rigorous clause-by-clause consideration and was passed for third reading after securing the support of more than two-thirds of the senators.
A key provision of the constitutional amendment empowers governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the state Houses of Assembly.
Clause 17 of the bill provides that a State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the House of Assembly of the state.
The proposed law further defines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands, allowing governors to issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to Commissioners of Police on matters relating to the maintenance of public safety and order within their states.
To address widespread concerns over possible abuse of the proposed policing structure, lawmakers incorporated safeguards aimed at protecting political freedoms and civil liberties.
The bill expressly states that a state Commissioner of Police shall not arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any individual, political party or group merely for criticising the government, except in accordance with the law.
The provision is intended to prevent state police formations from being used to intimidate political opponents, activists, journalists and other dissenting voices while ensuring that all actions taken conform with due process.
The amendment also empowers the Federal Police Service to temporarily intervene in the internal security affairs of a state where there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order or public safety which the state police are unable or unwilling to contain.
Such intervention must be authorised in writing by the President, who is required to state the grounds, territorial scope, functions and duration of the operation.
The President must also notify the governor, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, the National Police Council and the National Assembly within 48 hours of the commencement of the intervention.
The bill further provides that no federal intervention shall continue beyond a period to be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly unless approved by a resolution of the Senate.
The Senate’s approval came barely a day after President Bola Tinubu transmitted the bill to the National Assembly as part of his administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the President, the proposed amendment is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police.
Tinubu said the proposal is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country’s policing system, enhance security and better protect citizens, adding that communities, municipalities and local government areas would play more active roles in policing responsibilities under the new arrangement.
The renewed push for state police comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, banditry and mass kidnappings across parts of the country.
Supporters of the proposal argue that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering, deepen community-based security initiatives and ensure quicker responses to crimes and emergencies.
Critics, however, have cautioned against possible political interference by governors, funding challenges and the risk of exacerbating ethnic or communal tensions.
Tinubu had earlier described state police as inevitable in addressing the nation’s security challenges and urged lawmakers to fast-track constitutional amendments aimed at bringing the proposal to fruition.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu said the bill was aimed at providing a legal framework for a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the President, the proposed amendment forms a key component of ongoing efforts to restructure the country’s policing system to improve security and enhance the protection of lives and property.
He explained that under the arrangement, communities, municipalities and local government areas would play more active roles in policing, enabling local authorities to detect suspicious activities and promptly relay intelligence to security agencies.
Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review and directed it to report back on Wednesday.
Speaking on the importance of community-based policing, the Senate President said local authorities were better placed to identify security threats and support proactive responses by law enforcement agencies.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” he said.
Akpabio expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms would ensure the successful passage and implementation of the initiative.
He disclosed that the process would be undertaken in phases through constitutional amendments and subsequent Acts of Parliament.
“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” he said.
The Senate President also informed lawmakers that plenary would not entertain other major business following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Yahaya Tongo of Gombe State.
Similarly, the Senate Leader urged senators to attend the next sitting, stressing the significance of the proposed state police framework.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations. The issue of state police is non-partisan and cuts across geopolitical zones and interests,” he said.
The latest development came barely two weeks after the Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading.
Akpabio said the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by the President builds on the earlier proposal and seeks to provide the constitutional foundation necessary for the establishment and operation of state police services across the country.
The family of the late veteran actor and scholar, Chief (Prof.) Adekola “Kola” Oyewo, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among other Nigerians, for their messages of condolence and support following the death of their patriarch.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Dr. Adewale Oyewo on behalf of the family, the bereaved household said the overwhelming show of sympathy, prayers, visits and acts of kindness from across Nigeria and beyond had served as a strong pillar of comfort in their period of grief.
The family described the late Oyewo as a respected community leader, accomplished academic, devoted family man, and traditional title holder whose life was defined by service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to societal development.
According to the statement, the tributes received in his honour reflect the far-reaching impact he made on students, colleagues, cultural practitioners and the wider society.
The family particularly appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for his condolence message and prayers, noting that his support had been deeply comforting.
It also expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife, whose words of encouragement were described as uplifting and consoling during the mourning period.
The statement further acknowledged the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi (Tewogbade I), the Oloba-in-Council, and other traditional institutions for their fatherly support and solidarity.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was also commended for his message of sympathy, which the family said brought reassurance in their moment of loss.
The family extended appreciation to professional bodies including the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), as well as academic communities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, Ekiti State University, and Elizade University, where the deceased served.
They also thanked friends, associates and well-wishers who stood by them with prayers and support.
“As we continue preparations to honour the life and legacy of our beloved patriarch, we humbly seek continued prayers and support,” the statement added, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
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