Respect autonomy of tertiary institutions, NCC boss tells Makinde

Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, yesterday, urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to respect the autonomy of tertiary institutions in the state to ensure quality education and academic freedom.

In a statement in Ibadan, Akande said Makinde’s frequent interference in the administration of tertiary institutions had the danger of turning them into mere departments of government.

He said that such development could hinder the performance of institutions in researching, manpower development and community service.

Akande said the removal of the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was against the laws setting up the university.

He said: “The governor, as Visitor to the university, has appointed a governing council to oversee the affairs of the university. Whatever inadequacies noticed in the conduct of the VC should have been reported to the governing council, which will investigate and decide the necessary course of action in accordance with the laws of the university.

“The approach adopted by Makinde violates the spirit of the law and is tantamount to a miscarriage of justice.”

IN another development, the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has urged the state government to pay the salaries and allowances owed LAUTECH workers, Oyo State chapter.

The SPN said the allegation against the VC were denigrating and mischievous.

“The allegations against the vice chancellor were not investigated according to the regulations of the university and the victim may have been punished for an offence he did not commit. This is against natural justice.

“The approach of Governor Makinde is fraught with danger. Oyo State is not a one-man business; due process must be followed in the exercise of power, otherwise the governor will unleash a chain of crisis that will undermine the development of the state.

“LAUTECH is an important institution that is dear to the people of Oyo State and its affairs should be handled with care to avoid a return to the crisis that had slowed down the giant strides of the institution.

“Makinde should extend this respect for the autonomy of tertiary institutions to other higher institutions in Oyo State so that they can discharge their responsibilities without undue official interference.

“The introduction of a consultant to collect revenue and supervise expenditure is alien to the autonomy of the institutions.”