A group, Parley Against Injustice and Corruption (PAIC), has kicked against what it called a clandestine move to impose incompetent character as a Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).
The group while pledging its support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s stand against all forms of injustice, however, declared that, “the sharp and unjust procedures employed by the outgoing Rector, selection team and the Governing Council of YABATECH in the recent screening exercise for the selection of a new Rector need to be brought to the Presidency’s attention.
PAIC in a petition titled, “RE: SELECTION OF A NEW RECTOR FOR YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY (YABATECH), CALL FOR URGENT AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO THE SCREENING EXERCISE BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL WITH A VIEW TO UNEARTH THE FRAUD PERPETRATED THERETO” sent to DAILY POST on Friday by Chief Wakeel Olale Liadi noted that twenty-two (22) applicants were shortlisted for the screening but was surprised that the Governing Council reported that the trio of Mr. Obafemi Owoseni Omokungbe, Mr. Aladare Kayode and Mr. Omobayo Raheem questionably scored 89.7, 76.5, and 60 percentages respectively to become the first three.
The group also alleged that, “Mr. Obafemi whom the highest score is ascribed to was and is still a member of the Governing Council through his position as the representative of ASUP in the Governing Council.
“Notably Sir, Mr. Obafemi neither renounced nor resigned his membership of the Governing Council as at the time of the screening exercise. As such, the circumstance of Mr Obafemi gave him undue advantage and influence over and above every other applicant. In actual fact, He was deemed a judge in his own cause”.
The group in the petition also alleged that the manner in which the selection process went, “it is clear to understand that the plot to impose a particular candidate was well rehearsed and acted. The total mark for the screening exercise is just six percentages, how and what added up to the reported scores by the Governing Council needs to be inquired into”.
PAIC then requesed investigation into the roles played severally and jointly by member of the selection team.
It specifically pointed accused fingers on Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Mrs Margret Kudirat, Ladipo Eluwa Jude (Esq.), Mrs Okoro Doris, Bokoroma Charity Amakpakabo, Victor Igbum, Builder Akinsola Adesola Oluwafemi Emmanuel, Engr Philips Adedayo and the two external-experts namely Architect Segun Aluko, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro and Mr Abubakar Quadri, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi for roles they are playing in the selection processes.
The group however said it hope that the administration of President Muhamadu Buhari being a symbol for justice and fairness alongside the National Assembly would look analytically into this matter and compel the Governing Council of YABATECH to produce the details of the screening and selection process to ensure transparency.
The petition states, “In a swift alert at stopping the clandestine move to impose incompetent character as a Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), we write with deep sense of sincerity and in accord with the present administration’s unprecedented stance to suppress corruption in any manner of presentation.
“The sharp and unjust procedures employed by the outgoing Rector, selection team and the Governing Council of YABATECH in the recent screening excercise for the selection of a new Rector is by this letter brought to the presidency attention.
“In the manner akin to imposition, three candidates namely, Mr. Obafemi Owoseni Omokungbe, Mr. Aladare Kayode and Mr. Omolayo Raheem were shortlisted and recommended for the Presidency’s approval.
“However, we strongly believe that the temerity with which the imposition ostensibly called screening exercise was carried out must be brought to the attentions of all the key stakeholders in the circumstances and particularly the Presidency. On the account of this, we patriotically request that the benchmark used in the evaluation of all the applicants be thoroughly looked into.
“In actuality, twenty-two applicants were shortlisted for the screening where the Governing Council reported that the trio of Mr. Obafemi Owoseni Omokungbe, Mr. Aladare Kayode and Mr. Omobayo Raheem questionably scored 89.7, 76.5, and 60 percentages respectively to become the first three.
“Mr. Obafemi whom the highest score is ascribed to was and is still a member of the Governing Council through his position as the representative of ASUP in the Governing Council. Notably Sir, Mr. Obafemi neither renounced nor resigned his membership of the Governing Council as at the time of the screening exercise. As such, the circumstance of Mr Obafemi gave him undue advantage and influence over and above every other applicant. In actual fact, He was deemed a judge in his own cause.
“Further to this, we submit that Mr. Obafemi is a Master’s Degree Holder and has never been Head of Department or Dean and badly lacks the requisite experience to occupy the Rectorship position in the league of YABATECH. In clear statement, Mr. Obafemi is the least qualified among the twenty-two applicants. Plainly,He does not have the requisite number of publications.
“In the like manner, Mr. Aladare Kayode was questionably adjudged the second best candidate. In fact, his selection is in contrary to the well established rule that Rector of the institution must be a professional in any of the courses offered by the institution. We make bold to state that Mr. Aladare just like Mr Obafemi, has never been a dean. Mr. Aladare’s educational qualification is in Geography and YABATECH does not offer Geography as a course. Mr. Aladare lectures at the department of Town and Regional Planning, a distinct course from Geography.
“Similarly, Mr Omobayo cannot be named a core professional to man an institution which focuses majorly on technology and technical development. Mr Omobayo Raheem was selected as third candidate. Actually, Mr Omobayo has Master’s Degree with first degree in English Language. He was deployed to Mass Communication Department and currently a deputy Rector.
“Going by the manner in which the selection process went, it is clear to understand that the plot to impose a particular candidate was well rehearsed and acted. The total mark for the screening exercise is just six percentages, how and what added up to the reported scores by the Governing Council needs to be inquired into.
“We further request investigation into the roles played severally and jointly by member of the selection team. Specifically, the following persons need be questioned; Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN,Mrs Margret Kudirat, Ladipo, Eluwa Jude Esq.,Mrs Okoro Doris, Bokoroma Charity Amakpakabo, Victor Igbum, Builder Akinsola Adesola Oluwafemi, Emmanuel, Engr Philips Adedayo and the two external-experts namely Architect Segun Aluko, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro and Mr Abubakar Quadri, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
“Many stakeholders and patriotic Nigerians have been following up on this matter. We are hopeful that the administration of President Muhamadu Buhari being a symbol for justice and fairness alongside the National Assembly would look analytically into this matter and compel the Governing Council of YABATECH to produce the details of the screening and selection process to ensure transparency.
“We believe that the presidency and the National Assembly will give this matter prompt and appropriate action.
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