The Osun State Government has ordered a two-week break for both staff and students at the State Polytechnic in Iree, attributing this decision to the reinstatement of the suspended Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo.
In July, the state government suspended Odetayo, accusing him of financial mismanagement and abuse of power.
During his suspension, Kehinde Adeyemi took on the role of Acting Rector while an investigative committee was established to look into the allegations against Odetayo.
The announcement of the break came through a statement from the state Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, who explained that it was necessary to maintain peace on the campus following Odetayo’s return.
Odetayo’s reinstatement came after a ruling from the Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which issued an interim order restraining Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new rector for the institution.
Suspended rector returns to Osun state polytechnic
Odetayo returned to the polytechnic accompanied by armed operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and supporters.
Addressing those who welcomed him, Odetayo expressed his surprise at being suspended without prior questioning or meetings.
He stated that his return was based on a court order that restrained the governor from appointing a new rector and emphasized his commitment to advancing the polytechnic.
In response, Acting Rector Adeyemi called for calm, characterizing Odetayo’s return as a “forceful invasion” of the office. He urged members of the polytechnic community to continue their normal activities without engaging in protests.
The state government announced the immediate closure of the institution for two weeks. Odetayo’s suspension had been initiated by the government in July, citing financial misconduct and abuse of authority.
During his suspension, Adeyemi was appointed Acting Rector, and an investigative committee was formed to examine the allegations against Odetayo.
