The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic , (ASUP) The Polytechnic Ibadan Chapter has raised an alarm over multifaceted challenges threatening the long-standing legacy of academic excellence of the institution
They listed ,shortage of academic staff, infrastructural decay ,need for government to review the activities of Platinum consultants and others as challenges affecting the smooth operations of the institute
ASUP Chairman, Dr. Kola Lawal while addressing press conference at the Assembly Hall of the Polytechnic on Monday appreciated the government for the efforts so far but there is need to address some of the pressing need to sustained legacy of excellence and academic prowess which the school is known for .
Apart from demanding for proper funding, the academic staff also harps on the need for the government to recruits more staff “ The polytechnic Ibadan is grappling with a severe shortage of academic staff, a situation that has resulted in untold hardships, immense pressure, and overwhelming academic burden on few lecturers who tirelessly strive to maintain the institution’s high standard. With a current academic staff strength of approximately 300, it is evident that this number falls significantly short when measured against the standard set by NBTE.”
Speaking on the need for constitution of Governing Council, ASUP maintained that “the absence of a functioning council has created a void significantly impacting the administration processes , policy implementation, strategic planning, effective decision making and overall smooth operation of activities within the institution, the consequences of their vacuum are becoming increasingly evident , jeopardizing the institution’s ability to make timely decisions and progress in alignment with the vision and mission “.
On the appointment of new rector for The Poly Ibadan, AsUP urged the government to ensure compliance with NBTE guidelines by appointing a chief lecturer as rector, “ The practice of appointing a reader or professor from a University not only contradicts the recent guideline for NBTE but also disrupt the efficient functioning of the Polytechnic system. In accordance with the NBTE Guideline only chief lecturer currently working within the polytechnic sector are eligible to lead Polytechnic as Rectors.
While calling for review of Platinum consultants activities and preservation of educational Autonomy , ASUP insisted that consultants in its currents role has unfortunately became a hindrance rather than a facilitator to the smooth running of our institution, contrary to the widely claimed objectives of saving money for the government, the consequences of their involvement are now evident in the impediment to the institution’s day- day operations severely affecting the functionality of the academic faculties, department, and units, the so called consultants has turned himself into a contractor approving contracts and procurements for himself within the institution”
ASUP also while acknowledging Gov. Makinde’s investment in Education, they call on Governor Makinde to address infrastructural decay at the campus, also to review salary and wages as well as leveraging on the expertise by making the Polytechnic Ibadan as a catalysts for the development of Oyo state.
