By Sodiq Lawal
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has demanded prosecution of the dismissed s3x-for-marks lecturer of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Akindele Richard.
NAAT said after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the OAU, that the prosecution would serve as the deterrent to other varsity workers, especially lecturers and will also entrench sanity in the system.
In a communique signed after the NEC meeting on Tuesday, NAAT commended the Management and Council of Obafemi Awolowo University for exposing and sanctioning staff who abuse their offices by engaging in unwholesome or immoral acts.
According to the communique, signed by NAAT President, Comrade Sani Suleiman and General Secretary, Comrade Chief Iyoyo, Hamilton, read: “ A case in point was the recent sanctioning of a professor, allegedly on grounds of s3xual harassment.
“NAAT calls for the prosecution of the Professor dismissed for corruption (s3x for marks) from OAU, Ile-Ife, to serve as the deterrent to others.
“The union urges other universities and indeed all institutions of learning to follow the O.A.U example. This will entrench sanity in the system.”
“NAAT also commended the Federal Government for involving universities in its policy and efforts at diversifying the economy.
“It is worthy of mention that some universities have been awarded contracts and grants for research in the mining sector. The union hereby advises FGN to sustain this policy and continue to involve the universities in other sectors of the diversification plan including agriculture and tourism.
“This is a sure way to challenge the universities to be relevant to the needs of society,” the union said.
However, the union also applauded the removal of the obnoxious policy of dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders in the public service.
NAAT recalled that the Federal Government, through a circular from the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, dated 26th March 2018, conveyed details of abrogation of the HND/B.Sc dichotomy.
This development, according to NAAT, would encourage holders of HND and students of polytechnics to put in the best efforts in their chosen careers.