The Ogun State Government on Monday described as unfair a statement credited to a socio-economic group, Abeokuta Club, that it is executing ethnic agenda on issues relating with the establishment of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH), Abeokuta.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Modele Sarafa -Yusuf, the government described the group statement as unthinkable.
Abiodun noted that his government was voted into power by the collective will of the people of the state and that the decision to set up a committee to look into the operational modalities of the University and Ogun State Polytechnic was also done in the overall interest of all and sundry.
The governor in the statement explained further that his government inherited a protracted crisis at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) over its status that had been changed to MAUSTECH by the last administration.
He added that the step taken to reverse MAPOLY status was done to bring temporary respite to the students of the institution who had been traumatised over the change of status to MAUSTECH.
The statement said, “What, however, has alarmed the government more in the statement by the Abeokuta Club is the tribal colouration given to government’s decision. The allegation that the government is executing a hidden agenda in favour of any group or people in the state is grossly unfair.
“This government inherited a protracted crisis at the MAPOLY over its status that had been changed to MAUSTECH by the last administration. Even MAUSTECH which was so established has nothing on ground over a year after its creation. There were no facilities to accommodate its upgrade to a degree-awarding institution.
“In the twilight of the last administration, a Governing Council was emplaced headed by a renowned son of Ogun State, Mr Oye Odukale. However, like the University, it only exists in name.
“Requisite academic and non-academic structures to run and administer the institution were not put in place. There is also no record that efforts were made to source for students for the institution.
“But all this while, academic activities had stalled at MAPOLY. The staff and students were in limbo as the law establishing it had been reviewed to pave the way for the emergence of MAUSTECH. All assets of Mapoly, it was learnt, were transferred to MAUSTECH further emasculating MAPOLY.
“Therefore, for the recent directive of the government that academic activities be returned to MAPOLY to be effective, the law establishing it has to be re-enforced,” the statement added.
The governor, therefore, appreciated clamour from each group and regions for even representation of government’s projects in their areas, submitting that he had an assurance that the committee would carry out its assignment devoid of tribal bias or ethnic ambush from. government as being suggested by the Club.
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