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Oyo Accord faults establishment of Technical University by Ajimobi.
PUBLICITY Secretary of the Accord Party (AP) in Oyo state, Engineer Akeem Olatunji has faulted the establishment of the Technical University, Ibadan by Abiola Ajimobi led APC government in the state, saying that the institution is not a priority until LAUTECH is restored to her lost glory.
Olatunji, also noted that Oke-Ogun Zone is the only location that deserves establishment of such an ivory tower in case it is necessary.
According to a press statement issued on Thursday and made available to Mega Icon Magazine, the Party’s mouthpiece described the Oyo State led APC government as a divisive entity that doesn’t take into consideration the configuration of the state.
The statement reads, “Ibadan and other zones jointly owns Oyo State but reverse is the case with the establishment of a Technical University in Ibadan at a time the only government University, LAUTECH, situated outside Ibadan precisely in Ogbomoso is rotten away due to lack of funds.
“If we may ask what’s the rationale behind citing of another university in Ibadan with numerous higher institutions of learning when Okeogun area with 40 percent of Oyo state landmass, 10 local government councils and population next to Ibadan in the state is lacking a University?”.
” It is noteworthy that LAUTECH total tuition fees paid by students from 100 level to 500 level was less than N40,000 throughout their studies while the N6,000 tuition fee was about 54 percent of the then N11,000 minimum wage during former Governor, Rasidi Ladoja’s administration”, the statement added.
Olatunji, however, disclosed that LAUTECH is encountering serious financial problems that has crippled her activities despite paying exorbitant school fees of N65,000 and above under the incumbent government at a time the minimum wage is N18,000.
Also, the Accord spokesman criticised the government for its inability to pay workers’ salaries.
“The parents of the affected students who are workers or pensioners are being owed several months of salaries, while the staffs and lecturers are also passing through hell to survive.
“This is the time for the sons and daughters of OkeOgun, Ibarapa, Oyo and Ogbomosho to realize that APC has nothing to offer them apart from suffering and pains.
“Majority of our people outside Ibadan zone are agrarians and civil servants who depends on salaries for their upkeep but they bear the brunt mostly because they lack industries and business ventures to cushion the effects of non payment of salaries to workers by the state government”.
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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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