Resolving the LAUTECH crisis

LAUTECH gate

THE decision of the two state governors, Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola to continue the co-funding of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) will definitely elicit mixed feelings and reactions. However, it could be extremely saddening and painful when leaders, most especially those who have the power and authority to cause positive change, are not sincere with issues which demand patriotic attention. Why do we have to sweep issues under the carpet when we have the opportunity to decisively, once and for all, resolve them in the interest of all parties? Why do we have to push issues that we are in a position to positively and adequately address to a latter period in the future for successors to contend with? Why are the two governors of Oyo and Osun states being hypocritical about the issue of LAUTECH and its joint ownership? Definitely, both are not sincere, neither are they defending or protecting the interest of those who are always at the receiving end each time there is disruption in academic activities caused by the non-performance of the owner states who are won’t to play the blame game.

The best thing and lasting solution is for the two states to part ways, sharing both assets and liabilities of the school in the best interest of both employees and the students. I remember what I told one of my respected lecturers and friends, now a professor, when Ekiti State was created out of the old Ondo State. He refused to agree with me that the two states, Ondo and Ekiti, would eventually part ways on the ownership of the then University of Ado Ekiti. The rest has become history.What belongs to everybody belongs to nobody. If the situation is like this when the two states are under the administration of the same political party, All Progressives Congress (APC), one wonders what will happen if and when they have governors from different political parties. We remember what transpired between Akala and Oyinlola\Aregbesola. The incumbent governors in the two states should be conscious of posterity concerning the issue and those that suffer (the students and the employees) each time the two states are at loggerheads.

Let the governors sincerely answer the following questions: Why is it difficult for the two states to once and for all, even if painfully, agree to part ways on LAUTECH in the interest of students who are spending 10 years for a six-year course and seven years for five-year courses for no fault of theirs? Why is it that the university is the only monument they agreed to retain as a legacy of their common heritage? What of The Polythecnic Ibadan, Colleges of Education at Oyo, Ilesa and Ila-Orangun, as well as other institutions of higher learning located within the territory of the two states as at the time of creation of Osun State? What will happen if states are created from either or both Oyo and Osun states?

Where does Osun State have the resources to fund LAUTECH and its other universities located at Ejigbo, Okuku, Ifetedo, Ikire, Ipetu-Ijesa and Osogbo, aside from two big polytechnics and two Colleges of Education?

About six years ago I was discussing with a friend, a lecturer in LAUTECH, on the need for the two states to part ways on LAUTECH. It was a period when crises similar to the current experience manifested. My friend saw no reason for my position as the institution, according to him, is a legacy and heritage of the two states and an experiment (by NUC?) on the possibility of joint ownership of institutions of higher learning in Nigeria for better performance and productivity. I don’t know the stance of my lecturer-friend presently but I know both academic and non-academic staff members are going through real hard times in the hands of Ajimobi and Aregbesola.

The press is not doing enough and those who are supposed to intervene are indifferent. The two house of assemblies have been pocketed by the governors. Those that matter in the two states are not interested in whatever happens to the students and the employees. History will definitely judge accordingly. Well, the dubious craze for setting up of panels\committees on issues that ordinarily need immediate attention through snapping of fingers has necessitated the Wole Olanipekun visitation panel. I doubt if its mandate includes the possibility of sharing both assets and liabilities of LAUTECH by the states but I reiterate, as a realist, that whatever their recommendation, it would be an exercise in futility if the joint ownership issue is retained. It is a matter of time. But before then, let the students whose mates are on their way to the various NYSC orientation camps and the employees continue to bear the brunt of the deception and insincerity of those at the helm of affairs in the two states