Workers storm OAU over alleged N178m scam
May 13, 2013 by Sodiq Oyeleke
Workers
of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, on Friday
stormed the premises of the Obafemi Awolowo University to protest
alleged misappropriation of N178m and a lingering industrial crisis in
the institute.
The placard-carrying protesters lamented
the non-implemenation of the report of the OAU’s panel and the
directive of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, by the
Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Bamitale Omole.
IAR&T is in affiliation with OAU while Omole heads the charter binding the two institutions together.
The protesters, in a communique made available to our correspondent, accused Omole of shielding the director of the institute.
It read in part, “We want to report that
the crisis centres on allegation of financial impropriety. These
allegations have been investigated by two separate panels and these
panels have indicted some people.
“Consequently, the minister has given
specific directives through a letter – Ref. No. AGWR5 12/52/CI/V/118 –
dated April 8, calling on the VC to institute disciplinary actions
against those indicted in the misappropriation of the Institute’s fund
to the tune of N178m. In spite of this, the VC permits the director to
remain in office, which we consider a cover-up by the VC.”
The spokesperson for the protesters,
Mrs. Ajoke Oyegbami, also urged Omole to demonstrate willingness of the
university to resolve the crisis.
“We call on all well-meaning academics
and other stakeholders in the academic and agricultural sector to join
us in calling on the VC to be more sensitive to the complaints about the
state of the institute and the plight of its staff,” she said.
http://www.punchng.com/metro/workers-storm-oau-over-alleged-n178m-scam/
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