Speaking during the inauguration of the four institutions and the state local government Service Commission, Akeredolu said the constitution of the governing council was part of the state government determination to reposition and restructure the sector for positive contributions to the society.
He said “We cannot sustain an attitude which treats issues affecting the development of our youth with levity. We will be courageous in dealing with all identified problems militating against the development in the sector.
Akeredolu said the three universities and one polytechnic should be able to produce graduates that would not only be employable but capable to apply knowledge acquired to solve problems.
His words “A system which depends, almost irretrievably, on external elements for its development is doomed. A society which is laden with ill-educated citizens cannot aspire, realistically, to develop. If development is about the people who live in a given environment, our system of training must represent a proximate reflection of the yearnings and aspirations towards advancement.
“The constitution of the Governing Councils of these institutions agrees with our determination to restructure the sector for positive contributions to the society.
“We cannot sustain an attitude which treats issues affecting the development of our youth with levity. We will be courageous in dealing with all identified problems militating against the development in the sector.
“It is our expectation that all the Governing Councils will give the desired directions and develop appropriate policies that will ensure academic excellence in these institutions.“
Speaking on the local government Commission, Akeredolu alleged some top Local Government administrators of corrupt practices in the handling the affairs of the third tier of government.
According to him, he said the padding of staff wage bill, extortion of pensioners at the Local Government level and truancy are a trademark of local government workers
He said “We are aware of issues of corruption and gross indiscipline at the Local Government. Of serious concern to us also is the issue of indolence and truancy. The integrity of the staff list is another matter which your Commission should look into, as a matter of urgency.”
The governor said the appointees would be sending the right signal to all and sundry if the various complaints bordering on sharp practices are addressed and appropriate sanctions are applied, vigorously, against any erring staff.
His words “I have received reports on the criminal exactions on pensioners by some unscrupulous elements in the Commission. I enjoin you to use your good offices to ensure the speedy extermination of all aberrant attitudes which depict us as corrupt and wicked.
“Promotion should only be based on merit. This Administration has commenced a process which seeks to address the injustice inherent in the system of elevating public servants. We insist that seniority and competence are the twin pillars on which excellent performance was measured in the past. Politics should have no role to play in the promotion and recognition of excellence”
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