New pro-chancellor raises hope on LAUTECH early reopening

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi has assured that the institution will soon reopen for normal academic activities. Afolabi, w alongside other council members said the new council was closer to finding a lasting solution to the problems confronting the institution.

The vice chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, principal officers as well as members of the institution’s council, including Prof. Lai Olurode were present at the conference.

Afolabi, who is a former Head of Service of the Federation and a professor of chemistry, said he was optimistic of early resolution of the crisis even as he expressed the council’s readiness to restore the lost of the institution.

While admitting that the new council was inaugurated at the most trying time, Afolabi said they have accepted the challenges and are ready to ensure that all the vexed issues are resolved.

He said the council has been advised to interact more closely with members of staff through the various unions in order to gain their confidence and boost their morale already at its lowest ebb.

The former Head of Service said the council would interact with all stakeholders as well as owner state governors on way out of the crisis.

He said, “ We had our inaugural meeting at the main campus in Ogbomoso on August 9, 2017 and charted for ourselves a 90-day action plan which has started in earnest. For instance, consultations have been held with the various unions, parent forum and traditional rulers.

“ We have also engaged the auditing firm of KPMG, and we are expecting an interim report from the firm in a matter of days. It is this report we will be presenting to the owner state governors., we have realized that we are all on the same page, working towards the same goal, council will spare no effort to get the university reopened for students to continue with their studies and move on with their academic pursuit. The students have pledged their cooperation to abide by any decision taken, if that would make the university work again.

“We are optimistic of early resolution of the crisis rocking LAUTECH; government is committed to bringing back a formidable university, council and management are also determined to ensure an enduring legacy. In about 15 or 20 days, we should be able to give you the resumption date.”

Afolabi also promised to ensure that the institution becomes self-sustaining and not be a burden to the owner state governors.