ASUU rejects sack of LAUTECH VC •His removal followed due process – State Govt

The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso chapter, has declared the purported  removal of its Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Ologunde, as unacceptable.

It also noted that the State Government did not follow due process by its ‘step aside’ directive, adding that it was shocked when it received the news over the weekend.

In a press statement endorsed on its behalf by Biodun Olaniran and Toyin Abegunrin, the union said that the letter given to Professor Ologunde was signed by the State Commissioner for Education and that there was not even any consultation with the stakeholders in the institution.

The atmosphere in LAUTECH was rife with discussions on the action taken the Governor Seyi Makinde – led administration.

Although there were many insinuations concerning the reason for the removal of the Vice Chancellor, unconfirmed report had it that Ologunde was ordered to step aside because of the list of demands he submitted to the state government coming at a time when the State had just assumed full ownership of the University. This reportedly did not go down well with the State Government which considered such request as insensitive.

However, it appears that the Professor is well liked by the teaching and non-teaching staff and the students for his exemplary leadership qualities and how is he handled issues of diverse ramifications.

The ASUU is of the opinion that he should be reinstated and that it would not stand aloof while due process was being disregarded.

The association added it would remain resolute in its pursuit of justice in the matter and therefore called on the State Government to do the needful.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, explained that Professor Ologunde was not removed but merely asked to ‘step aside’ temporarily as was clearly specified in the letter sent to him .

 

He stated that the government did not do anything outside the law and had followed due process in the matter contrary to what people are saying .

 

However, when contacted for his reaction, Professor Ologunde said that the Public Relations Officer of LAUTECH was in the best position to do so and that he saw his present predicament as the will of God.