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‘Compel Oke-Ogun Poly Governing Council to implement white paper within 14 days’ – Unions beg Makinde

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The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the three staff unions of the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki (TOPS), has written to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, calling for the implementation of a White Paper released by the State Government in July 2020.

The staff unions, in a letter captioned “Attention: Non – implementation of 2020 Government White Paper at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki (TOPS): The Need to Return The Institution to the Path of Progress”, also congratulated Governor Makinde on his re-election.

The three unions namely: The Academic Staff Unions of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) asked Makinde to compel the institution’s Governing Council to implement the White Paper within the next fourteen days.

The letter was jointly signed by Comrade Ajiboye L.O (Chairman, ASUP): Comrade Olanite W.A. ( General Secretary, ASUP); Comrade Oke O.O. (SSANIP, Chairman); Comrade Olagbenro A.J.(General Secretary, SSANIP); Comrade Raufu, M.O. (Ag. Chairman, NASU); and Comrade Adeleke A.Y. (Ag. General Secretary, NASU).

The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic staff unions congratulated Governor Makinde on his victory at the just concluded gubernatorial election, describing his re-election as a confirmation of his brilliant performance as the number one citizen of Oyo State.

“We are using the medium to congratulate you on your successful re-election for the second term by the good people of Oyo State for another four impactful years as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. It is not an overstatement to say that under Omituntun 1.0., you demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment, responsiveness and humility in your quest to transform our dear state better than you met it, the union congratulated the governor.

They also pledged their continued support for Makinde, “While we are wishing you well and success always, we do not doubt your capacity to do more under Omituntun 2.0., hence, we register our unalloyed support for this course and project”.

Meanwhile, the JAC of the three staff unions of the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic expressed their displeasure over the non – implementation of the government White Paper, describing the situation as “regrettable, too sad, disappointing, distressing and unfortunate”.

They maintained that the non – implementation of the White Paper is a clog in the wheel of the institution’s progress and sustainability, as it has continued to adversely affect “the whole academic system daily in so many ways”.

The unions, therefore, called for the immediate intervention of Governor Makinde to compel the institution’s Governing Council to ensure the immediate full implementation of all the recommendations in the Government White Paper within the next fourteen days.

The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic JAC revealed that at a meeting held on 28th of March, 2023, critical issues adversely affecting the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic and slowing down the efforts and good intentions of Governor Makinde for the institution were thoroughly discussed and that one of the discussions bordered on the non – implementation of the White Paper by the Governing Council.

The unions lamented that it is unfortunate that in the last three years that the “White Paper had been released by the Oyo State Government to the public and handed over to the Governing Council of this institution on the 7th of July, 2020, the spirit and letter of the white paper have not been implemented by the Governing Council, and as such, the laudable reasons for your constitution of the first visitation panel and subsequent release of the White Paper were reversed”.

They further noted that a similar White Paper released on the Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, was fully implemented immediately by the institution’s Governing Council, while the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic Governing Council “suppressed the document and kept such vital government directives on the shelf for more than three years”.

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Education

WAEC: Computer-Based WASSCE Starts This Friday

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.

The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.

In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.

Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.

However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.

Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.

The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.

 

 

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Oyo Central Senator, Akintunde Pledges Support for Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Growth

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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.

Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.

Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.

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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.

The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.

He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.

“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.

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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.

He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.

Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.

The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.

“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.

“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.

“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.

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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.

The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.

 

(c) Mega Icon Magazine

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Mass Exodus: 30 PhD Holders Flee Bauchi Varsity Amid ASUU’s Alarm on Poor Conditions

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.

The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.

“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”

He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.

In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.

“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.

The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.

Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.

“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.

ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.

The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.

In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.

“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.

He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.

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