Kwara Poly Denies Political Motives Behind Lecturers' Dismissal
Controversy erupted in Kwara State yesterday over the alleged dismissal of seven lecturers from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
The development comes as the state government announced the recruitment of 1,811 teachers for primary schools across the state, aimed at improving the quality of education for primary school pupils.
According to investigations by THISDAY, the dismissed lecturers were reportedly let go due to allegations of insubordination and their affiliation with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Sources revealed that the lecturers were employed last year when the institution sought to expand its academic staff.
Additionally, the affected lecturers were accused of opposing the reappointment of the institution's incumbent rector, Engineer Abdul Jimoh, for a second term.
When contacted, the institution's Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Garba Haleemah, denied that the lecturers were dismissed due to their alleged political affiliations.
According to her, “The staff were not sacked based on political affiliations.”
Haleemah, in a statement issued in Ilorin, which she personally signed on behalf of the management of the institution, said, “The polytechnic management wishes to clarify that this exercise does not target anyone.
“It is purely an internal review and cost-saving measure that involved the movement of some old hands and, inevitably, rightsising of a few new hands whose employments were still probationary.
“It was not a decision taken in haste or without due considerations; we, therefore, appeal that such exercise should not be politicised.
“The polytechnic is undergoing significant restructuring, including increased use of technology to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance service delivery in line with global best practices.”
However, a pro-democracy group in the state, People's Voice Advocacy Network (PVAN), condemned the dismissal of the lecturers for their alleged membership of an opposition political party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Obe, the group described the sack of the individuals as “politically motivated, callous, reprehensible and unacceptable”. It called for their immediate reinstatement.
According to PVAN, “Our findings revealed that six of the dismissed workers are from Ilorin, Kwara Central, while the other person hails from Kwara South, and no concrete reason was given for their sacking other than 'their service is no longer needed.'”
The group added, “This is no doubt a politically motivated decision. It is callous, reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on Kwara youth, especially those who harbour opinions different from those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As the voice of the people, we demand the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the dismissed workers and call on the governor to publicly disassociate himself from this oppressive act carried out by his personal aide.
“Furthermore, we urge him to take decisive action against those responsible for this shameful display of political intimidation.”
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Aliyu Muhammed Ayinde Oki IFK NSCIA VADA Yahaya Seriki Gambari Afeyin-Olukuta Toyosi Thomas High Court Volunteers Of Ilorin Community And The Emirate Raheem Adaramaja Dan Iya Of Ilorin Oluwarotimi Boluwatife Adenike Bayo Ojo Ayobami Akanbi Bilikis Oladimeji Owode Market Kemi Adeosun Binta Sulyman Hamza Usman Association Of Kwara State Online Media Practitioners Jimoh Akani Abdulrasheed Lafia Gbajabiamila NaAllah Abdulmajeed Wahab Abdullahi G. Mohammad Bankole Omisore Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa Ilorin Emirate Bayo Lawal Baboko Abubakar Olusola Saraki Dauda Adesola Kwara Apc Mohammed Abdulahi Sabi Kunle Suleiman Abdulrauf Yusuf Sobi Hill Toyin Sanusi Ilorin Ilesha-Baruba Balogun Gambari Rachael Obisesan Ganiyu Abolarin CBT Adeniyi Ojo S.O. Opowoye James Ayeni Shehu Jimoh Yahaya Abdulkareem Babaita Smart School Abdulrazaq Magaji Colleges Of Education Academic Staff Union Oba Abdulraheem Femi Ogunsola Bature Bello Sun Qing Rong Modibo Kawu IDPU Alloy Chukwuemeka Lola Olabayo Olabode George Towoju Lanre Jimoh Rueben Parejo Trade Lenda SME Fair IYA ALFA NLA Amina El-Imam Ayo Salami IEDPU Mufutau Olatinwo Kwara Coalition Of Business And Professional Associations TESCOM 2025 Kolo Oke-opin Ladi Hassan

