The Academy Staff Union of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, protested on Tuesday over the suspension of the institution’s Rector, Dr Tajudeen Odetayo.
Academic activities were grounded, as staff members claimed the suspension of the Rector was an aberration of its constitution.
Recall that the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, suspended the institution’s rector following an allegation of corruption leveled against him.
According to a July 11, 2023 memo by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Muritala Jimoh, addressed to the Acting Registrar of the polytechnic, Odetayo is facing an investigation over “allegations of financial recklessness, corruption and misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.”
The governor also approved the appointment of Mr. Alabi Kehinde Adeyemi as the acting Rector with immediate effect, “pending the time the allegations against him are properly investigated by relevant bodies.”
However, displeased with the governor’s move, academic staff have come out to express their displeasure, saying it is an aberration against the institution’s constitution and has suspended the school’s educational activities over the suspension.
OsunDailyNG gathered that protesters, who were chanting solidarity songs, blocked the main campus entrance in Iree, which left the students writing examination stranded.
Speaking to a crowd of protesters, the President of the union, Dr. Fatai Afolabi, declared an indefinite suspension on academic activities, noting that the association frowns at what the governor has done.
Also, checks by Tribune reveal that classrooms were empty as students were seen standing in groups and discussing the issues.
One of the students who simply identified as Abimbola revealed that she knows less about the ongoing issues and, therefore, can not blame anyone for now.
Abimbola, however, appealed for the matter to be resolved amicably so that academic activities could continue.
