Kunle Adelabu
The new Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye, has assured the staff and students of the institution that his emergence will usher in a new dawn in the Polytechnic that has suffered greatly from internal crisis in the last five years.
Olaleye gave this assurance in his acceptance speech after he took oath of office as the new Rector of the Polytechnic before the staff and students of the institution at the School of Agriculture auditorium, LASPOTECH main campus on Tuesday, November 1, 2020.
He also pledged to change the narrative with which the foremost technology institution has been known for in recent time.
Olaleye described the process that led to his emergence as highly challenging but thank God that he was able to see it through despite the odds.
He thanked the Governor of the State, who is also the Visitor to the institution, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, Chairman of the 12th Governor Council of the Polytechnic, Prof. Rasheed Kola Ojikutu, and the entire members of the Council, for ensuring that merit and justice which they promised prevailed in the selection of new Rector for the troubled institution.
“First and foremost, I thank God for making today a reality. It is with His power and permission that I stand before you as the 11th Rector of this great institution. The journey to this day has been challenging and highly demanding but I thank God that we are able to wade through and surmount all odds”, the new Rector said.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era in our Polytechnic. The journey to change the narratives has just begun. Today is the beginning of 1,825 days of this administration. The countdown starts today”, Dr Olaleye said to the staff and students that filled the hall.
He said that his administration will give priority to staff welfare and development for maximum productivity.
“And to start with, this administration will prioritize staff welfare, academic excellence and employability and entrepreneurship skills for our students. The Polytechnic is as great as the strength, the sacrifice and the free contributions of its human capital. Invariably too, our students are as good as the quality of our lecturers. A highly motivated workforce will almost probably deliver on its expectation. Therefore, our administration will invest heavily in human capital development”, he added.
The new Rector, who stated that all departments, groups and individuals will be treated fairly, also added that members of the academic community’s constructive criticisms will be viewed as a wake- up call which is required in an academic environment and not seen as a declaration of war.
“And in doing this, no school or department will be more important than the other and no group will receive favour over and above what it deserves. The justice and fairness already laid by the Governor, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the Governing Council, shall be the foundation- of our engagement with all stakeholders in this Polytechnic.
“No nation and no institution ever grows and prosper in an environment of oppression, favoritism and emasculation. Differences of opinions and interests are the basic ingredients of creativity and growth. And constructive criticism is a wake-up call.
“Wherever it is muzzled, the community is endangered. As a way of guiding against this, my office will remain open to all; listening to all complaints and acting on all issues until the best is achieved or justice is served for the benefit of all”.
While assuring that welfare and development of staff will be given the much-needed attention and also welcome contributions in rebuilding the institution, Dr Olaleye also demanded members of the Polytechnic community to discharge their obligations to the institution.
“However, as I listen to all and strive hard to do your biddings, I will also expect and take in full measure your obligations to the Polytechnic. No one should expect from me when he or she cannot give back. Rights and obligations are two-way-traffic. It is never one way. And that is the only way we can change the narratives and make this Polytechnic great”, he said.
“Distinguished colleagues; our shared values of Professionalism, Excellence, Commitment, Dedication, Integrity, Fairness and Equity, and Transparency will be critical in our rebuilding process. This administration will take these seriously in all its actions. I enjoin you all to reflect on these shared values and be prepared to imbibe them in your work”.
He also charged them to cooperate with his administration in bringing back peace and harmony into the Polytechnic and assured that his administration will be opened to dialogue, engagement and negotiation.
“I will implore all stakeholders in this journey, and by this, I mean the academic staff, the non-academic staff, the technical staff and students, to cooperate with us. It is only in harmony we can achieve and celebrate.
“When the house is divided, it crumbles on everyone. Unfortunately, in our own system, students often bear the brunt. This is the more reason why I will advise our great students to take advantage of our open-door policy at all times.
“As long as we run this institution for human beings, there will be moments of misunderstanding and the best way to resolve issues is through dialogue and engagement. It is only a coward that losses the voice of argument and resorts to war or violence. No issue is above dialogue, engagement and negotiation”, Dr Olaleye said.
Also, in the acceptance speech, Dr Olaleye stated that the Polytechnic will focus on achieving the primary objectives it was established for by the founding fathers.
“This Polytechnic was built for a purpose. It was meant to be an excellent institution for higher education, the fountain of knowledge, and the bedrock of technology where education and dexterity meet.
“It is also meant to be an institution where staff and students engage in research, teaching and learning in an atmosphere of peace and love. There is no doubt that this vision has suffered some setbacks in recent years. But from today, by the special grace of God, LASPOTECH shall return to and surpass its glorious past.
“The Polytechnic, during my own time, will join the community of inventors, if not for the entire world, but at least for this country. This administration will encourage the staff and the students with innovative ideas to participate in trade fairs to showcase their inventions.
“We would try our best to promote healthy competitions so that our products can put us in the global spotlight. It is only when the students and the staff are encouraged and well projected that the Polytechnic can be reckoned with and move up in its ranking”.
He also pledged to improve on the good relationship between the Polytechnic and the host community, Ikorodu.
“The harmonious relationship between the Polytechnic and the host communities will be deepened. We shall build on the existing relationship through increased corporate social responsibility. I will enjoin our traditional leaders in various communities around the Polytechnic to continue to support us for the collective good”, he said.
