Education
Makinde inaugurates Oyo’s 5-man committee on LAUTECH ownership
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday inaugurated a 5-member Committee to work with a similar Committee from Osun State to deliberate on the ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
He maintained that though Osun and Oyo states would continue to remain brothers in other areas, the Committee’s mandate is to resolve the perennial challenges facing the University due to ownership crisis, by securing a divorce.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Governor Makinde as saying that the Oyo State Government was ready to shoulder the responsibility of sole ownership of the institution in order to ensure its smooth running in the interest of the over 30,000 students population, 1,200 workforce and the economy of Ogbomoso in particular and Oyo State in general.
The Committee, which was inaugurated by the Governor at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, had as its chairman Professor Deji Omole of the University of Ibadan.
Other members include a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN); Oyo State’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin and his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Governor said: “I was at LAUTECH yesterday to assess things in the institution with over 30,000 students and more than 1,200 staff members. There are hundreds of thousands of naira in daily income of dependent businesses. So, each time the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, shuts down due to non-payment of salaries or any other issues faces the institution, everyone suffers.
“This is because LAUTECH is not just a centre of academic activity in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. Most commercial activities in this town revolve around the institution, and since anything that affects the socio-economic dynamics of any setting of Oyo State affects us all, we must give these challenges due attention.
“It is for this reason that we are inaugurating this five-persons committee today. And why do we need a committee to take charge of the LAUTECH delegations? For some of us that read the Bible, you will recall a dispute and I’m sure there will be something similar in the Holy Quran as well. There was a dispute that took place between Abraham and Lot’s servant; they quarreled over a well. The patriarch and his nephew came up with a solution that worked for both of them, no doubt each had their grievances yet sought a workable solution. So, this solution involved parting of ways.
“You will also recall that while on the campaign trail, I made it clear that I have come across information that I believed may have misled the Supreme Court into co-joining Oyo State and Osun State as owners of LAUTECH. I have also always advocated that the issues affecting the institution will be better managed if only one of the two states is in charge of this school.
“It is obvious that this alliance is not working. In the last couple of years, epileptic strike action of lecturers has led to students spending more time in the university than they originally bargained for. More so, there is a strike ongoing right now which is going into the second week. I personally think that it is unfair to the students, the lecturers and the ancillary businesses domiciled in Ogbomosho that depend on the university.
“Well, to the members of this committee, your one job is to, in a manner of discipline, secure a divorce for us. We are ready and able to shoulder the responsibility of sole ownership of LAUTECH. In the Oyo State 2020 budget, we have already structured overhead and capital expenditure for the University. At a budgetary proposal of about N2.09 billion. We will fund any other additional expenditure which may arise from sole ownership with the supplementary budget if necessary.
“My dream is that LAUTECH becomes the University of Technology that people from across Africa and, indeed, the world aspire to attend. Tertiary education can become a revenue generator in Oyo State, but we cannot accomplish this in joint ownership. Let me say that we are not declaring war on Osun State or the State of Osun as the case may be. We do not begrudge them, just as in the story, Abraham and Lot held no grudges against one another after they separated. So, we shall continue to collaborate with the good people of Osun State on other matters but, on this, we have to put our interest and the interest of the economy of Oyo State first.
“Therefore, I urge you to put your heart into this work and bring us results in the shortest possible time. And to ensure that the work is done in a candid manner, we want to see what can be achieved in the initial four weeks. We have set a preliminary report in the four weeks and please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
“The Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Daud Sangondoyin, is a member of this committee. So, I am sure he will be a nice bridge between the establishment here and the committee but I am also available day or night.
“If you need to reach out to any other member of this team, feel free. Whatever it is that you require, we will make it available. So, in the course of this work, I expect that our brothers in Osun State may reach out to you. I also believe several generations of Oyo State will be glad because you have been able to do this for them.”
Responding on behalf of the Committee, its chairman, Prof. Omole, appreciated the Governor for the opportunity offered them, promising that the Committee would take the assignment given to it with integrity and courage.
He added that the committee’s submissions will be based on facts and figure.
Omole said: “We know the job given to us looks very simple but it is be difficult. I want to, on behalf of this committee, promise that we will discharge our responsibility with integrity and courage. Yes, it is the Governor of Oyo State who is inaugurating this committee but the job of this committee is not about Oyo State alone. The University itself is a universal entity. The Engineering course being taught in LAUTECH is the same Engineering that is being taught in Manchester University.
“We cannot afford to lower the standard. So, this job is a service to the nation and I promise that we will discharge it within the level of our activity, once again, with integrity and courage. “You can rest assured that by the time we will be making our submission, it will be based on facts and figures and verifiable data will be presented.
“I am not a lawyer but a scholar and I know the implication of having two fathers. Let me also correct an impression, I am here as Deji Omole because when you say Chairman of ASUU, people will begin to think that this assignment is given to ASUU. This assignment is given to Deji Omole. So, I promise to do my best.”
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.
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.
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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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