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LAUTECH workers’ Union absolves VC of allegations of incitement

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The Non Academic Staff Union of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) has absolved the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the institution, Professor Michael Olufisayo Ologunde, of sundry allegations of incitement over unpaid salary arrears by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

The union stressed that the recent demand for payment of the unpaid salaries and allowances of its members was not instigated by the management of the institution.

The state gaffer, Makinde, yesterday in a statewide monthly live media chat on the state owned radio and television stations, had earlier alleged that the institution’s Vice Chancellor was the brain behind workers’ demand for immediate payment of their salary arrears barely one month after the state took over management of the Institution.

Governor Makinde said it is disheartening to note that a VC of a reputable institution like LAUTECH could be fingered in such an act.

But, LAUTECH workers’ Union, in a statement signed by the chairman of the Joint Action Committee of the non-teaching staff, Alex Alesinloye Muraina and made available to journalists on Saturday in Ogbomoso, insisted that the allegation that certain members of the institution’s management are instigating workers’ union to demand for their allowances is a ‘flagrant distortion of truth’.

Muraina added that workers don’t need anyone to push them to ask for their emoluments.

The statement read , “We are compelled to react to the radio phone-in programme of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State this morning on 98.5 FM, particularly as it affects the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and the demand by the Joint Action Committee of the non-teaching staff, for accumulated unpaid salaries and allowances dating back to 2012.

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“With all sense of responsibility, we are aware of the various efforts of our amiable Governor to put LAUTECH on the global map through his generosity.

“We are also aware that some mischievous individuals are working assiduously to ensure that the Governor is enlisted in moves to unjustly punish some individuals.

“In an apparent satisfaction with the running of the institution by the management as currently constituted, JAC noted that the current vice chancellor is the first to be appointed from within the University community since LAUTECH’s establishment over three decades ago”.

Muraina, who is also the chairman of the university’s Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities recalled that the agitation, especially  for unpaid salaries has been on since 2016, when the present crop of leaders of LAUTECH were at best lecturers and administrators, holding no special position.

He explained that workers have continually made representations to succeeding administrations in the two owner states before recently when Oyo became the sole owner.

The statement continued, “This is the first time in the over 30 years existence of the University, that an insider will be Vice-Chancellor and we have never had it this good.

“That some members of Management of the Institution have been instigating workers’ unions to ask for payment of their emoluments is a flagrant distortion of fact, because all workers are aware of what is being owed them and do not need to be reminded to ask for their wages.

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“We have also made representations to the present Governor of Oyo State not fewer than three times before the last one, so it is wrong to say that demands are being made now because Oyo owns LAUTECH.

“For the avoidance of doubts, LAUTECH non-teaching staff are being owed 8 months salaries, 13 months cooperative deductions, promotion arrears, earned allowances for years among other things”.

The workers in the statement, however appealed to Governor Makinde to do everything within his power to facilitate payment of their accumulated allowances, noting that the situation has led to untimely death of some members while some of them are dying.

“Rather than engage the Governor who has proved to be our friend and benefactor in a squabble and become ingrates, we want to appeal to him to see the need to facilitate payment of all outstanding emoluments, considering that a number of our people have died due to their inability to cater for their health, more are still dying.

“We want to assure the Governor of our sincere hundred percent loyalty and support to his government.

“We want to plead with him to jettison whatever anyone may be telling him in order to put a wedge between Management of LAUTECH and his government.

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“The leadership of the workers’ Union in LAUTECH, the only Institution in the State where payment of minimum wage has not commenced, is hereby reiterating that the present crop of Management is the best in our over 30 years history and that we thank Governor Makinde for undertaking not to tamper with the present structure, for now”, the statement added.

 

 

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Education

Victim of Ogbomoso nightclub shooting not our student – LAUTECH breaks silence

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In the aftermath of the tragic killing of Iyanda Damilola, allegedly by a police officer during a nightclub altercation in Ogbomoso, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has clarified that the victim was not a student of the institution.

Damilola, identified as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was reportedly shot dead during a fracas at a club in Ogbomoso on Monday.

Contrary to initial reports, LAUTECH’s Public Relations Officer, Akin Fadeyi, emphasized that the incident did not occur within the university premises.

“The incident occurred around 2 am. It did not occur in the institution. It happened in a club, and in LAUTECH, we don’t have a club or hotel,” stated Fadeyi during the institution’s 16th convocation ceremonies.

He further clarified, “They were fighting and the student who got killed was not our student. So, what happened had nothing to do with LAUTECH. It has nothing to do with our convocation.”

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has taken action, detaining the officers involved in the incident. According to the command spokesman, Osifeso Adewale, the officers were dispatched to the nightclub to quell a disturbance during the party.

“The incident worsened, leading to the firing of ‘warning shots’ by the officers. This led to one death,” Osifeso stated in a Thursday statement.

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The deceased’s brother, Oluwafemi Iyanda, a LAUTECH graduate, confirmed that the tragic event occurred after attending his convocation ceremony and heading to an after-party with his late sibling.

“All operatives involved in the incident including Inspr Rasheed Saheed are currently under detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku,” Osifeso added.

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Education

UNN Suspends Lecturer Accused of Harassing Female Student

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The Management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has taken swift action by suspending Mfonobong Udoudom, a lecturer in the General Studies Department, following allegations of sexual harassment involving a female student.

In a statement issued by the university’s spokesperson, Okwunka Omeaku, on Tuesday, it was emphasized that UNN maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct, particularly between staff and students.

Omeaku highlighted that the university has a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Policy in place to regulate interactions among its academic community.

“The management of the University of Nigeria has suspended Mr (not a Professor) Mfonobong David Udoudom, a lecturer in our General Studies division, who was caught in a video allegedly harassing a female student,” the statement read.

The suspension, effective immediately and indefinite, awaits the outcome of a disciplinary panel established by the university to investigate the incident thoroughly.

According to reports, the lecturer allegedly threatened the female student, asserting that she would not pass his course unless she acquiesced to sexual advances.

The situation escalated after the students completed an examination for the course, with the lecturer purportedly warning some female students of dire consequences if they did not comply with his demands.

The female student, in a courageous move, informed her husband of the harassment, who subsequently filed a complaint with the university authorities.

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Acting on the complaint, the university advised the student to cooperate while discreetly addressing the issue.

A viral video depicting the lecturer partially naked further fueled public outrage and prompted swift action from the university.

 

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Education

New Acting Registrar, Bursar Appointed at The Polytechnic, Ibadan

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File photo of the Acting Registrar, Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi

 

The Oyo State Government has announced the appointment of Mr. Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi as the Acting Registrar and Mr. David Olukola Taiwo as the Acting Bursar of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

According to a statement released by Soladoye Adewole, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, the appointment letters were issued on behalf of the State Government by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, and were dated 8th April. These appointments were endorsed by the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi.

Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi, the newly appointed Acting Registrar, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Registrar of the Directorate of Academic Affairs at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Ogunjimi holds a B.Sc degree in Psychology from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an MSc in Industrial Psychology from the University of Ibadan.

His journey in academia began at Prospect High School, Aba Nla, where he completed his secondary education between 1973 and 1978. Ogunjimi’s tenure at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, spans several years, during which he held various administrative positions, showcasing his prowess as an administrative wizard.

David Olukola Taiwo, the newly appointed Acting Bursar, comes with extensive experience in financial management. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Chief Accountant at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Taiwo began his career at the institution in March 1994, joining as an Accountant II. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become the Chief Accountant in 2015. Taiwo holds multiple qualifications in accounting and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCE).

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His contributions within the Bursary Department, including roles such as Head of the Treasury Unit and Head of the Final Accounts Unit, underscore his proficiency in financial matters.

Both Ogunjimi and Taiwo are described as family-oriented individuals, happily married and blessed with responsible children.

The appointments of Mr. Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi and Mr. David Olukola Taiwo signify a new chapter in the administrative landscape of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as they assume their respective roles with dedication and expertise.

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