News
ASUU to EFCC, ICPC: Make public fraud investigation reports on UNILORIN.
THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibadan Zone has raised an alert over alleged attempt by the University of Ilorin management to sack the chairman and secretary of the branch for whistle-blowing on corruption in the university.
It asked EFCC and ICPC to make public results of their investigations on the whistle blowing of the union against the University of Ilorin.
The union further called on the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu as well as the Chairman Governing Council to call the University management to order before plunging the university to another legal crisis.
It urged the Acting President to ensure that the University of Ilorin is not treated to be above the law by the Buhari-led government.
This was contained in a press statement issued in Ibadan after the Zonal meeting of the Union signed by the Zonal Chairman, Dr Ade Adejumo and Dr Deji Omole, Chairman University of Ibadan Chapter.
They noted that it was shocking the federal government seems to choose to prosecute only whistle blowing adding that the anti-corruption can be seen to be selective in prosecution if only those perceived enemies of the government are prosecuted after whistle blowing.
The duo of UNILORIN ASUU chairman and Secretary, Dr Kayode Afolayan and Dr Solomon Oyelekan respectively had been suspended for four months for signing a document on behalf of ASUU and presenting same at the EFCC and ICPC on alleged corruption and fraud being perpetrated.
“The University of Ilorin Administration is bent on terminating the appointment of Union officials critical of its corruption, lawlessness, dictatorialness and disregard of democratic norms. The union is hopeful that the new Chairman of Council of UNILORIN, Dr. Jubril Oyekan will act positively to prevent the University from sliding down further and being drawn into another round of tussle with our union. We believe he would not be part of a grievous scandal of a Council submitting to the whims of the Administration and terminating the appointments of scholars because they blew the whistle on the wife of the Vice Chancellor or because they alerted the same Council to corrupt practices in the institution. In the meantime, we again call on the relevant agencies to furnish members of the public with the result of their investigations on the petitions submitted by the union. We call on the Visitor to the University and other supervising agencies to prevail on this public institution to stop the continuous harassment of critical voices of dissent.”
Expressing confidence of a positive response to its call, ASUU called for cessation of harassment and victimization of members of the union who are speaking truth to power.
“After series of attempts by the union to make the university return to the path of decency, the union had no choice than to file petitions before the EFCC, ICPC, CCB and the Visitor to the University over the monumental infractions that have become endemic in the University of Ilorin. Also recently, in a three part investigative report, The Nation newspaper of March 14, 15 and 16 2017 brought out many of the gory details of the UNILORIN anomaly in graphic terms. In addition, the immediate past and the current administration have been exposed as corrupt, nepotistic and lawless. To say the least, the university can no longer be regarded as a university in the proper meaning of the word.
“On February 6 the Branch of the Union in the University of Ilorin drew attention to the malfeasance of the VC employing his wife, Mrs Toyin Ambali under shady circumstances and promoting her within a year instead of the three years allowed by regulation. Rather than retrace his steps, the Vice-Chancellor, apparently to avenge the exposure of his wife directed that the Chairman and Secretary be issued with a query.”
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.
-
Politics5 days agoOyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court1 week ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
Health6 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics4 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls
