A group under the umbrella of Tertiary Education Monitoring Group has raised concerns of very moves by the governing council of Yaba College of Technology on the appointment of the institution’s Registrar.
The group insisted that the recent actions taken by college’s current administration are fueling disunity, disharmony, and discrimination within the institution.
In a release signed by Salman Oyebanji for the group and made available to journalists, indicated that one such action involves the appointment of an Acting Registrar by the Governing Council to fill the vacuum left pending the appointment of a substantive Registrar.
The group highlighted that the process for appointing a substantive Registrar had been initiated by the immediate past Governing Council before its dissolution by the Federal Government, resulting in a delay due to a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education to halt principal officer appointments.
It said, “Dr. Sikiru Kayode Momodu, the former Registrar, concluded his tenure in March 2023. The Council, considering the appointment of an Acting Registrar, approved Mr. Ademola Peter Oyebanji, a deputy registrar, with the understanding that it would be temporary until the appointment of a substantive Registrar.
“However, the current administration, since September 2023, has allegedly initiated moves to review the decision, aiming to replace the Acting Registrar based on the premise that acting appointments should not exceed six months. Additionally, it suggests appointing Dr. EJA Akinwale, the most Senior Deputy Registrar, who was previously not appointed as Acting Registrar due to administrative reasons.
“This action by the college Rector has reportedly led to discontent, suspicion, division, disharmony, and disunity within the Registry, affecting the overall college administration.
“Statutorily, the Rector lacks the authority to review the decision of the Governing Council, as the polytechnic structure designates the Council as the highest decision-making body. The call is made for the Federal Ministry of Education, in the absence of a Council, to intervene and prevent a crisis by upholding the status quo until a new council is constituted and a substantive registrar is appointed.”
The group argued that attempting to remove the Acting Registrar without justifiable cause is discriminatory and unjust, given the lack of negative reports regarding his performance
They also urged the rector to respect the Council’s decision and adhere to the provisions of the polytechnic act governing the Federal Polytechnic’s structure.