The joint ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology Ogbomoso was Wednesday evening affirmed as the governors of the
two owner states met in Ibadan to end the crisis in the institution. After a
meeting which lasted for about three and half hours at the office of the
Governor of Oyo the two states agreed to maintain the status quo.
There have been calls for the two states to agree to part
ways on the joint ownership as some indigenes of Ogbomoso under the aegis of
Ogbomoso Parapo accused Osun of tactically killing the institution with its
alleged nonchalant attitude.
Reading the communique on behalf of his colleague shortly
after the four hours meeting co-chaired by the two governors, and attended by
their deputies and senior government officials from the two states, at the Oyo
state Governor’s office, Governor Ajimobi, said the two states have agreed to
an irrevocable commitment to the joint ownership of the University in
accordance with the laws setting up the institution.
He said the owner states regret the current challenges of
funding and management confronting the institution, calling for undaunting
commitment to move the institution forward.
Ajimobi said the two states have reached a common ground on
the necessity for a comprehensive restructuring of the institution to ensure
fair and effective development and distribution of academic resources, physical
structures and assets of the University across the two states in order to
achieve national, regional and global reckoning.
The communique reads in part: “After a meeting co-chaired by
the two governors, and attended by their deputies and senior government
officials from the two states. The meeting regrets the current challenges of
funding and management confronting the institution and restate commitment to
moving the institution forward.
“The meeting thereafter stated that in view of the
historical affinity and long relationship between the two states of Oyo and
Osun, the meeting resolves to rededicate all efforts towards the development of
mutually benefited goals that will further cement the bond of friendship and
brotherhood between them.
“As brothers, sisters and family members of the same Yoruba
ancestry, the meeting agreed that this should be a time of consolidation
between the states rather than a time of fragmentation.
“Consequently, the meeting agreed to an irrevocable
commitment to the joint ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology, Ogbomoso in accordance with the laws setting up the institution.
“The meeting also agreed on the necessity for a comprehensive
restructuring of the institution to ensure fair and effective development and
distribution of academic resources, physical structures and assets of the
University across the two states in order to achieve national, regional and
global reckoning.
Appealing to the striking workers of the institution to
resume duty, Ajimobi said, “the two states appeal to the academic staff who are
currently on industrial action to resume academic activities while amicable and
sustainable solutions are being worked out to sort out their grievances”.
He added, “the duo states hereby enjoin all residents of the
two states as well as other stakeholders including students, teachers and
workers to go about their lawful duties and to resist any temptation to take
the laws into their hands.
“The states warned that any one or group that does otherwise
will face the full wrath of the law.
The owner states announced a legal luminary and former
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun, as the
Chairman Visitation Panel whose terms of reference include, among others, the
review of the current terms of engagement with a view to consolidating the
joint ownership, the conduct of an audit into the institution’s sources and
application of funds as well as proposing strategies for the overall
improvement in its quality of education and service delivery.
While other members of the Panel include: Hon. Rasheed
Afolabi, Prof. (Mrs) Akinola, and Prof. Sola Fajana representing the state of
Osun, whereas, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Prof. Ayo Salami, and Barrister S.A. Raji
representing Oyo state.
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