By Adeola Badru

Tensions are escalating at Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic in Eruwa, Oyo State, as the absence of a functional Governing Council continues to spark unrest among staff and unions.

This heightened situation, according to investigations gathered, stemmed from the institution’s lack of oversight following the death of its former council chairman, Professor Abiodun Ojo, five months ago.

The polytechnic, which is one of three state-owned institutions in Oyo, gained autonomy eight years ago under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and is currently confronting significant challenges that have resulted in frustration and discontent among its workforce.

Vanguard reliably gathered that, since Professor Ojo’s passing, the Governing Council has been non-functional, leaving the institution without essential governance.

Although Governor Seyi Makinde had appointed the council, the inability to replace its chairman has created a vacuum in leadership, prompting widespread dissatisfaction among staff members and the three unions representing them.

Union representatives have expressed concerns about what they perceived as governmental indifference to the urgent need for reconstituting the Governing Council, describing the situation as “seeming indifference.”

The lack of a functioning council has stalled crucial processes, particularly the search for a substantive management team.

Vanguard learnt that, interviews for the Rector position were abruptly suspended on the day they were scheduled to conclude due to Professor Ojo’s unexpected hospitalization and subsequent death.

Candidates who had been prepared for the final screening were left in limbo, resulting in anxiety and uncertainty about their futures.

Meanwhile, one of the principal staff in the institution, Dr. Gbade Akinteye has been serving as the acting management for nearly four years, far exceeding the National Board for Technical Education’s guideline, which allows for a maximum of one year for acting appointments, according to an aggrieved staff, who did not want his name in print.

The situation, he said, has caused a divide among staff, with some benefiting from the current arrangement while others demand a return to proper governance and oversight.

He explained during an interview with this correspondent that the absence of a functioning Governing Council has also affected staff promotions and salary increments.

“Many employees missed opportunities for advancement due to the council’s inability to convene and approve necessary decisions. Furthermore, a recently approved salary increase of 25-35% was implemented for only one month before being halted, as the council is required to advocate for its continuation.”

His words: “Union leaders have voiced their concerns, emphasising the need for immediate action to address the growing unrest. Engr. Taiwo Adegoke, chairman of the Academic Staff Union, highlighted the pressure mounting on union leaders from their members, calling for the state government to prioritise the establishment of a new Governing Council to prevent further escalation.”

“Similarly, Mr. Titiloye Joseph, chairman of the Senior Staff Association, criticised the delays as an avoidable distraction and suggested that appointing an interim chairman could quickly restore functionality to the council.”

“Additionally, Mr. Titus Jayeola, representing the Non-Academic Staff Union, reiterated the importance of having a governing body to ensure the institution’s stability and address the various grievances of the staff.”

As tensions rise within Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, the call for a new Governing Council becomes increasingly urgent. The lack of oversight has created an environment of uncertainty, affecting management processes, staff promotions, and overall morale.

“The situation we are in now, demands attention to avert potential unrest and restore normalcy at the institution.”

“The future of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic hinges on the swift re-establishment of effective governance to address the pressing needs of its staff and students,” he advocated.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from the state government regarding the crisis at the polytechnic were unsuccessful, as the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, could not be reached either at his office or by telephone.