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Stakeholder calls for dissolution of LAUTECH Governing Council, Mgt.
THE Oyo State Youth Stakeholder’s Forum (OYSYSF) has called on the owner state governors of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) to immediately dissolve the Governing Council of the institution and the disengagement of the Vice Chancellor.
The Group in a statement by its President, Mayowa Adigun and Mobilisation Officer, Kunle Olaoye on Wednesday said the call became imperative with the unending crisis in the institution and the inept attitude of the LAUTECH Governing Council towards resolving the crisis.
The group noted that an appeal letter has been sent to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his counterpart in Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to dissolve the Governing council, adding that the Vice Chancellor of the institution should not be spared if there would be lasting solutions to the problems.
According to the group, “we have observed with keen interest the on going crisis in LAUTECH. It is as if there is no governing council in the school. Nothing is being heard from them and they are not even making efforts. We have members across the institutions in the state and they used to report about the activities of their governing councils and management teams.
“The case in LAUTECH is different. The governing council as well as the management is too silent on the fate of the institution and most importantly, the registered students. The Owner state governments have said they do not have enough to pay subventions for again and consequently directed the management to think outside the box to generate revenue.
“This is not happening in LAUTECH. It is a higher institution of technology but what technology value are they adding to Nigeria’s economy and development? The ineptitude of the governing council is taking its toll on the university and the students are the one suffering.
“We should all note that the management and staff of the institution will still collect their salaries even if the school is closed for 2 years. But what becomes the fate of the students? We have members who registered for five-year courses and this is their seventh year in school and there is no reprieve in sight. There is nothing to show that the governing council as well as the management headed by the VC is doing anything.
“We have the opinion that anything that is not reported is not executed and based on this, the governing council, the VC and his management team should go. There should be reorganization in the institution if the owners want lasting solutions to the problems. The crisis started with the management versus the staff unions of the school and no end in sight yet to get it resolved.
“We have sent letters of appeal to Governors Ajimobi and Aregbesola on this issue and want them to act accordingly. We do not like the present configuration and it is better to do justice now before it is too late,” the statement added.
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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