Education

Fraud: Osun govt shuts poly over resumption of suspended Rector

The Osun State Government has directed staff and students of the State Polytechnic in Iree to proceed on a two-week break, citing the resumption of the suspended Rector, Dr Tajudeen Odetayo, as the reason for its action.

Odetayo was suspended in July by the Osun State Government on account of alleged financial recklessness and abuse of office and was subsequently replaced with Kehinde Adeyemi in an acting capacity, while a committee was constituted to investigate allegations against him

Announcing the closure in a statement on Thursday, September 7, 2023, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, said: “This is to inform the general public, particularly members of staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to proceed on two weeks break with immediate effect.

“The immediate break is a necessary action to maintain peace in the institution following the forceful return of the suspended Rector, Dr Odetayo.

“The general public should also note that school accounts have been frozen with immediate effect, and it is imperative that everyone cooperates fully and adheres to these directives.”

It was further gathered that Odetayo’s return followed the ruling of the Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which granted an interim order restraining Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and 14 others from appointing a Rector for the institution.

Odetayo, who was led into the premises of the school by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), was accompanied to his office by some associates and staff of the polytechnic.

Speaking, Odetayo expressed surprise that he was suspended without being queried.

He said he returned to the polytechnic having secured an order of the court which restrained the governor from appointing another Rector.

The suspended Rector said: “I was really surprised when my suspension letter came in because, prior to that, I didn’t receive any query or called for any meeting.

“I am resuming back to office because the court has given an injunction on the matter and there is a stay of execution.

“I know our governor is a listening person and I want to appreciate him for allowing the rule of law take its course.

“I am back to continue working towards moving the polytechnic forward.”

In reaction to the development via a statement, the acting Rector, Adeyemi, called for calm, describing Odetayo’s return as “forceful invasion”.

Adeyemi said: “Following the forceful invasion of the office of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree’s Rector, by the suspended Rector of the institution, as the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, I appeal to members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm.

“I urge you to remain calm and go about your normal duties without any protest.

“The government has taken steps to ensure that normalcy returns.”

The Star