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LASUED: Michael Otedola Campus Academic Staff Union Hails Sanwo-Olu, Makes Demands For Smooth Transitioning Process

Published

3 years ago

Feb 18, 2022.

Paul Mbagwu

By Babatunde Kaka

LASUED: Michael Otedola Campus Academic Staff Union hails Lagos state government, makes appeals for a smooth transitioning process
we have identified the issues below as being germane to the success of this transmutation exercise, they will therefore form the theme of our discussion with our sister campus AOC and, of course, the government.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the leadership of Michael Otedola Campus Academic Staff Union, Lagos State University of Education, Epe has commended the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu for achieving the historic feat of transmuting their college of education into a university.

The body also made noble suggestions and appeals to the Lagos State Government towards a smooth transitioning process.

This online media platform recalls that Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on February 2nd signed the bills for the establishment of additional two universities in the state into law.

The bills assented to by the governor converted the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) to the Lagos State University of Science and Technology while it merged the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOD), Ijanikin and the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCOPED), Epe to become Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

In a statement released by the union and signed by the Chairman, Comrade Jamal Apena, which was made available to EKO HOT BLOG the body also commended the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, the Special Adviser on Education, Barrister Tokunbo Wahab and other notable stakeholders whose efforts made the transmutation possible.

It, however, did not fail to mention the union’s contribution to achieving the university status.

The statement read in part:

“It is important to have this release, which is Two in One (2 in 1) as whatever I say here not only forms the crux of our discussion as a union but also serves as a press release on the issue of our institutions’ transmutation.

“Firstly, I want to use this medium to acknowledge the efforts of our responsive, responsible and listening Governor, His Excellency Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team for achieving the historic feat of transmuting our citadel of learning into a university.

“The tireless dedication and commitment of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa towards making this history a reality is extraordinary.

“I won’t forget to underscore the exemplary leadership of our affable legal luminary and Special Adviser on Education, Barrister Tokunbo Wahab, for every painstaking effort brought to bear in effecting this astonishing progress.

“I must also acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Universities Commission in ensuring a smooth and prompt licensing of the University.

“Permit me to also applaud our cultural custodians, the Royal Fathers and the Political class for their absolute belief in the dreams and aspirations of our pride, MOCPED.

“To my wonderful colleagues, this success won’t be complete without your meaningful contributions. Thank you for your support and resilience. Your encouragement and trust in me has kept me going with the highest of commitment and dedication to serve.”

“Today, we are celebrating nobody but the legacies we are leaving behind for those coming behind us. The best gift we could present to our great State and Nigeria for National growth and development is what we all have entrenched with our efforts in teaching and research. This is irrespective of class, creed or status and is highly commendable.

“You will all agree with me that the new dawn we have always yearned for has come upon us like a flash and we’re more than excited to be a part of this stunning history.

“LASUED has come to stay, hence we have no choice than to work at an unprecedented pace to actualize both our common and personal goals.

“In this regard, let me inform you that the leadership of this great union has, right from the onset, been at the forefront to protect our collective interest. Under my proactive leadership, the Union has held meetings with the College Management and Deans of all schools to discuss the way forward. We have constituted a Transmutation Committee headed by our erudite Barrister Idowu S. O. (Ph.D).

“We have initiated interactive sessions/seminars with our members and also kick-started the process of meeting with the members of Adeniran Ogunsanya Campus (AOC) to engage in both familiarization and attainment of a common position.

“At our own end, we have identified the issues below as being germane to the success of this transmutation exercise, they will therefore form the theme of our discussion with our sister campus AOC and, of course, the government.

“Strong Government Involvement/Support for the New Institution:

Once again, we extend our appreciation to Mr. Governor and the SAE for initiating the Transmutation of the two (2) Colleges to University status. Also, we are grateful for the strong financial support, legislation, goodwill and other efforts made by the government to get the National University Commission (NUC) to give the license of the new University to the Governor within a record time.

“Innovative Core Value(s) for the University

The vision, mission and core values of the new university should be crafted in a robust manner to reflect convincing core value(s) of the state as contained in the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the state government. This requires unity of purpose among academic staff members, with management and our sister institution (AOC) as well as other stakeholders in and outside the University.

“Placement /Staff Regrading of Academic:

On Academic staff members’ placement, great leadership skills and bold negotiation strategies are required for members and other stakeholders of the University community to be encouraged to support the transmutation exercise. Without prejudice to the constitution of the University’s Governing Council, academic staff of every rank from Chief Lecturer to Assistant Lecturer must be properly placed.

“NUC’s Standard on Administrative Structure:

Institutions transmuting/upgrading to University status should be conscious of NUC’s standards regarding administrative structure. On this basis, College Management structure will change with the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor (VC) for the University which is at the discretion of the State Government involving Mr. Governor and the SAE. However, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ Appointment which is within the purview of the University Senate should be democratically conducted.

Due to the fear of the unknown and lack of adequate involvement, Unions in Sister Colleges that have transmuted before now were wary of taking a definite decision in support of the process. Thus, we implore Government and the prospective VC /Management to ensure that Unions are fully involved at every level of the transmutation/upgrade, most importantly, in the assessment of staff for re-grading/right placement so as to fully allay members’ fears.

“Thus, there is need for collaboration and synergy among new University’s tripod stakeholders which are Government, Management and Unions to work in harmony and single-mindedness of purpose.

“Preparation for NUC Resource Visitation/Accreditation:

NUC resource visitation and subsequent accreditation entail the availability of human and material resources that may be beyond that of a College of Education. Hence, adequate preparation has to be made in regard to this.

“Human and Material Resources:

The academic staff members are aware that having a PhD degree is a prerequisite to furthering their career in the University. Presently, in the College, more than 60% of the academic staff have either acquired or at the verge of completing their PhD degrees. Thus, there is a need to adequately support the academic staff towards the acquisition of Postgraduate degrees.

“In view of the above, strong and flexible administrative “safety net” measures should be expediently and imperatively applied by the Management regarding the pursuit of postgraduate programmes to recognise those who have it already and support those who would embark on their postgraduate programmes.

“Community Involvement through Endowment:

Given that a University is a capital intensive venture, there is the need to embark on widespread sensitization drive of key stakeholders in the immediate and outside community such as Traditional rulers, business moguls and captains of industries, political leaders, and so on to support the University via commitment in terms of academic endowments, provision of hostels and halls of residence, provision of other social infrastructures, security safeguards and intelligence support, and so on.”

“Conclusion:

As we move forward, I want to assure all of us that while there will be issues from all angles, we will do our best to tackle them head-on. Our desire is to continue on the current path of entrenching enduring legacies of love, trust, high ethical standards, accountability, dedication, commitment and growth on society.”

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I leave you with this wonderful quote by Napoleon Hill, “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” GROW.

“So, let’s improve on our physical and mental strength as we continuously intensify efforts to grow.

See Photos from the Meeting:

Michael Otedola Campus