Osun Poly gate remains closed 10 days after rector’s suspension, as students threaten to embark on protest
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Following, the suspension of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo over alleged financial recklessness and abuse of office and protest against the suspension by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and some students the institution remain closed after 10 days.
It would be recalled that the suspension of Odetayo, who was appointed Rector in March this year was contained in a letter dated July 11, 2023, signed by the Permanent Secretary of, the Ministry of Education, Mr A Jimoh.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Osun Polytechnic chapter on Tuesday, 25th July suspended academic activities over suspension of the Rector and the appointment of the new acting Rector, Mr Kehinde Alabi, described him as someone who is not qualified as the Acting Rector of the institution.
Speaking with NewsDirect’s Correspondent on Thursday through a phone call, ASUP chairman, Dr. Fatai Afolabi said that the suspended Rector Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo has been given query as part of the union demands.
Afolabi stated that the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) has also joined the strike follow their Congress held on Monday.
He said, “There is nobody on campus now the non teaching staff has joined the strike action and also communicated to the government. And since Monday nobody is on campus both teaching and none teaching everybody is at home now.”
However, the leadership of the students body, the Student Union Government (SUG) in a letter to the school stakeholders and state governments called for immediate reconciliation meeting between concerned parties.
The students body threatened to embark on peaceful protest as they issued seven days ultimatum to the concerned parties to settle the issues.
According to letter, “The prolonged closure of our campus has caused immense disruption to our academic activities, negatively impacting the future and aspirations of thousands of students.
“In light of the lack of progress and the urgency of the situation, we, the Student Union Government (SUG), hereby issue an ultimatum to the concerned parties to settle the issues and convene the reconciliation meeting before Monday, 7th August 2023.
“We firmly believe that this ultimatum allows sufficient time for all parties to come together, engage in constructive dialogue, and reach a resolution that prioritizes the interests of the students and the academic community.
“Failure to heed this ultimatum will leave the student body with no choice but to stage a peaceful protest at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo. We want to emphasize that our protest will be conducted responsibly, adhering to the principles of peace, respect for law and order, and the rights of all individuals,” it added.
