- Sodiq Yusuf
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved the re-opening of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree for continuation of academic activities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, by the commissioner for education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole , said the step is taken by government to ensure that academic activities in the institution are not disrupted further.
The statement read, “This is to inform the general public especially staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic,Iree that Mr. Governor has graciously approved the re- opening of the institution.
“This step is taken by Government to ensure that academic activities in the institution are not disrupted further. Staff and students are hereby enjoined to ensure that peaceful co- existence reigns within and outside the institution’s campus.”
The State Government ordered the closure of The Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Campus, for two weeks.
The directive for the closure is coming following the return of suspended Rector, Tajudeen Odetayo.
Recall that the state government had suspended Odetayo through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kehinde Jimoh, on July 24, 2023 for alleged gross misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
He was replaced by Alabi Kehinde who was appointed in acting capacity.
OSUN DEFENDER recalled that the suspended Rector, Tajudeen Odetayo had resumed for office as Rector before the closure order.
Odeyato had taken the step to resume following an order of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division which reinstalled him as Rector.
Delivering ruling on the motion, Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale granted an interim order restraining Governor Adeleke and 14 others from appointing a rector for the polytechnic.
Justice Ogunbowale also ordered Adeleke and other respondents to stay further action on the institution, pending hearing of the motion on notice slated for October 10, 2023.
The judge had directed that a hearing notice be issued to all respondents before the next adjourned date.
Meanwhile, the institution’s acting Rector, Kehinde Alabi has appealed to members of the polytechnic community to remain calm.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
