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.
The union listed shortage of academic staff, infrastructural decay, the need for government to review the activities of Platinum consultants and others as challenges affecting the smooth operations of the institution.
ASUP Chairman, Dr. Kola Lawal while addressing a press conference at the Assembly Hall of the institution, on Monday, appreciated the government for its efforts so far adding that there is a need to address some of the pressing need to sustain the legacy of excellence and academic prowess which the school is known for.
Apart from demanding for proper funding, the academic staff also harped on the need for government to recruit more staff.
He said: “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 a new rector for the institution, ASUP urged the government to ensure compliance with NBTE guidelines by appointing a chief lecturer as rector.
His words: “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.”
