Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

Governors Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola of Oyo and Osun states have appealed for calm over the reopening of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

In a joint statement the duo signed, they said the prolonged closure of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, is deeply regretted. They added that academic activities have been put to a halt as a result of the industrial action embarked upon by the academic and non-academic staff of the university. This, according to them, is consequent upon the challenges faced by the owner states in fulfilling full salary obligations to categories of workers in the institution.

They went further: “This is not due to lack of will on our part but the dire financial headwinds in the country, affecting all tiers of government, putting strain in paying salaries of workers in the two states, including the university.

Aregbesola

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State

“It is important to state that the State Governments of Oyo and Osun have reaffirmed their commitment to the joint ownership of the institution, including its continued funding and comprehensive review of its finances.

“It was in this regard that a Visitation Panel headed by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was set up in October last year. While waiting for the report of that panel, we want to appeal to students, parents and guardians to resist the temptation to result to self-help and or any action that might precipitate disruption of law and order.

“With the steps already taken by the two owner governments, we are confident that the unfortunate situation in the institution will soon be resolved.”