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Alumni Association calls for Tinubu’s intervention to revive ailing LAUTECH.
IN furtherance of its efforts to find an enduring solution to the challenges facing its alma mater, the Alumni Association of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso has called on the Chancellor to the University, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency to intervene in the matter by facilitating a meeting with the visitors of the University with a view to finding a permanent solution to the crisis rocking the citadel of learning, just as its urged the Federal Government to take over the ownership of the University in the events that the visitors continue to show lack of financial capacity to run the University.
The Association made this clarion call yesterday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital while addressing a press conference to make public its positions on the incessant crisis.
Also, an appeal was made to the owner-State Governors of Oyo and Osun to pay all the outstanding subventions owed the institution which is to the tune of N7 Billion, and commence regular payment of monthly subventions as and when due, the Alumni Association, also admonished
The association further condemned the unfortunate incidents of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 15, 16, and 17, 2017 respectively when the students locked the University gate against JAMB candidates scheduled to write their exams within the school premises.
According to its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Owoyokun Samson, “we understand that the students’ action was borne out of frustration on the effect of the strike action on their future. We therefore apologise to the candidates, JAMB Management and the entire public on the untold hardship and embarrassment the action might have caused them.
“In a similar vein, the alumni association in strong unequivocal terms, condemns the despicable action of a section of the students that went on rampage and distastefully displayed the obituary of a living Vice-Chancellor. We find this act as barbaric and a display of poor character. We therefore seize this opportunity to express our unalloyed support for the University Management under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Adeniyi Sulaiman Gbadegesin, for performing exceedingly well in managing the affairs of the University, and earnestly prays that he lives long to enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health and wealth”, he continued.
The association, however requests that the white paper on the report of the visitation panel submitted to the Government on 10th February, 2017 be made public without any further delay.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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