I went to LASU for self-development –– Pasuma
By OLABISI DEJI-FOLUTILE
Friday, 13 Aug 2010
MAY we know your academic background?
I attended Muslim Mission Primary School, Mushin, Lagos State, between 1973 and 1979. Then we used to spend complete six years in primary school. It’s unlike these days when you can go to secondary school in Primary Five. From there, I moved to Nigeria Model High School, Idi-Oro, Mushin, and was there between 1979 and 1984. Since then, I have been pursuing my musical career. I didn’t go to any higher institution until I became a star. I later went to the Lagos State University to learn communication skills and how to relate with my fans.
What was your experience as a pupil in a community primary school in those days?
I was still young then. I started school at six years old. I would dress up in the morning, my mother would give me money to school; life then was simple. We just moved from home to school. Sometimes, we would go to the field to play football. I loved to play football a lot, such that I even thought I would become a professional footballer.
Did you also do this among your friends?
Ah, I did that very well. There was a woman in front of our school gate who sold rice, beans and dodo (fried plantain). We called at her shop every morning before going into the school compound. Sometimes when we got to school late, the prefects would prevent us from entering the school compound unless we were given some strokes of the cane and because I wouldn’t want the prefects to beat me, I would just stay with the woman selling rice till closing time. After school, I would just go back home, pretending as if I learnt something in school. I did this until one day when my father asked me to show him what I did in school that day. There was nothing to show him because I didn’t attend class. He gave me some serious beating in return. My father was educated, and he was a general manager of a company in Apapa, Lagos. Consequently, he wanted all his children to have university education; he wanted us to be doctors, professors and lawyers, so he was really strict with us. That was how I stopped the habit of staying away from class. I realised that it was better to allow the prefects to beat me than to receive my daddy’s beatings.
What was your best food in school?
I love rice and beans from childhood, but I stopped eating beans when I discovered that I was allergic to it. Even now, I can eat rice three times a day for a whole week. I only change my diet just for the sake of it.
What was your best subject in school?
I loved maths a lot.
What did you find interesting in maths?
I just loved the subject. I remember I also loved English Language and Biology.
At what point did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Actually, when I was in secondary school, during inter-house sports, I and some friends would gather together and sang for those participating in different games. Of course, I was just singing for fun then, but the year I left secondary school was the year Wasiu Ayinde released the album titled, Talazo Disco (Tala ’84). The album was everywhere and I just thought that I, too, could sing. So, I decided to go into music.
Were you ever involved in inter-house sports?
I played football for my school. It was called the Principal’s Cup. We went to UAC Stadium (now Teslim Balogun Stadium) in Surulere. It was very interesting. I felt good playing football. Things were rosy then. I had friends and I wasn’t thinking of any responsibility.
Who was your best friend? Are you still in touch with your school mates now?
I am in touch with just two of them. One of them, Tunde Fajobi, is in the United States now; while Kemi Ajetumobi is in England. I still keep in touch with both of them.
What course did you study at the Lagos State University and how was life on campus?
I read English at LASU. I had Diploma in English Language. I didn’t go to the university to obtain certificate; I just went there to learn how to communicate with my fans. You know, as a star, I appear on TV shows and interact with people from various segments of the society. I should be seen to be up to the task, you know. I also attended LASU to learn how to behave towards my fans. I did a part-time course in the English Language Department and I was there for just one year.
Why did you opt for just a diploma course? Do you plan to go for a degree programme later?
I opted for a diploma course because that was what I could afford to do, considering my busy schedule. For now, I don’t think I can spare the time to go for a degree programme. I have many things to do: I am busy with rehearsals, shows and tours, and I am satisfied with the diploma course. One of the reasons for going to the university was to prove to people that Fuji musicians are not miscreants; that Fuji is not gutter music and that one can be educated and at the same time be a Fuji musician.
Were you a happening guy at LASU? Did you have friends among the students?
I had a few friends, but I wasn’t someone you would describe as the ‘happening guy’ on campus. In fact, I was usually very careful. I made sure I went from my car straight to class. If I hadn’t done that, I would have had to spend much money, because once people recognise me, I would have to drop something.
Did you face any form of harassment, particularly from female students/fans?
I won’t call it harassment. In most cases, the girls would be waiting for me outside the class to obtain my autograph. People might want to see that as harassment but you know, it is a way of showing that they appreciate me.
What was your relationship with your lecturers?
Sola Fosudo was my lecturer. He was always troubling me. Sometimes, he would just come to class and ask me to stand up for no reason. Then he would tell the other students that he just wanted them to know that I was also his student. He was also a good adviser; he always encouraged me that I took a good decision by coming to LASU.
How did you prepare for examinations, considering your busy schedule?
It was tough, but I am an indoor person and that helped me a lot. Any time from 10pm, I am in my house and I don’t receive visitors any time from 8pm. Once it was 10pm, I would just retire into my room and read for two hours before going to bed.
Was thers instructions.
If you want to advise your fans, what advice will you give them?
I have already done that in one of my albums. I will tell them to go to school and be educated. It is very important. Today, I am a prominent musician in Nigeria, and I have no regrets. I am proud to be a musician.
Have you met any of your teachers either in primary or secondary school after graduation?
I still look forward to meeting any of them. I have never met anyone who told me that he/she was my teacher. Perhaps when they see me on television, they tell people around that I was once their pupil, I don’t know; but I sincerely look forward to meeting any of them.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Dis-accreditation of Courses by NUC Compounds LASU Crisis
The recent accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the nation's tertiary sub-sector saw some institutions losing many of the major courses. TAIWO OGUNMOLA reports that LASU is on the brink of crisis as a result of many of its courses, which were denied accreditation by the NUC visiting panel.
Accreditation of courses for Nigerian universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is to respond to the challenges of enhancing quality of university education in Nigeria. The NUC began the accreditation in 1990 to ensure conformity with minimum standards and quality education.
The accreditation exercise done by NUC in 2005, was found to have increased from 12.6 in 1999, to 48.5 in 2005, while the one for programmes which were denied accreditation decreased from 17.9 in 1999, to 9.5 in 2005.
Federal universities had more programmes with full accreditation and less programmes with denied accreditation status. State universities had less number of programmes with full accreditation and higher number with denied accreditation status. Generally, the results showed that accreditation status of most academic programmes improved in subsequent accreditation exercises, meaning that the deficiencies noticed were remedied. The number of programmes that were denied accreditation resulted to reduction in the number of vacancies for student admission.
The most recent exercises were held in 2009/2010, and two programmes, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) of the University of Abuja and Architecture of Caristas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu were closed down by the commission. The most affected among the universities visited by the accreditation team is Lagos State University (LASU), where major courses were denied accreditation. The affected courses include; Business Administration, Economics, Banking and Finance, Sociology, Accounting, Management Technology, Law, Political Science, Chemical and Polymer Engineering and Marketing. One other institution affected was Redeemer University, Mowe, Lagos which had 14 of its course programmes denied accreditation status.
The information concerning the de-accreditation of courses was published in The Guardian newspaper of 8th October, 2010. However touched by the sensitivity of the issue, a Lagos lawmaker in the House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade raised the issue at the plenary session. In their reactions, the lawmakers expressed worry over the denial of accreditation of 10 courses in LASU being the only state university in Lagos who had earlier suffered setback in the academic activities due to incessant strike by the lecturers. Agunbiade who noted that the students are again back at home due to strike embarked upon by lecturers, pointed out that the aftermath of the strike may lead the students into prostitution and other forms of vices.
He added that when he put calls across to some lecturers of the institution to find out the cause of the denial of accreditation in some courses, "I was told that it has to do with insufficient infrastructure in the school and overcrowded classrooms among other complaints", Agunbiade said. The lawmaker explained that there is the need to look into the education with a view of finding a lasting solution to the sector.
The deputy speaker, Bola Badmus-Olujobi and Babatunde Ogala from Ikeja constituency who both decried the situation, suggested that the house should call on those in charge of the education sector to come and explain to the house the cause of the de-accreditation.
The majority leader, Taiwo Kolawole explained that the denied accreditation in some courses is a disgrace to the state. "I believe that the incessant strike by lecturers could be responsible for the denied accreditation", he added.
After the decision of the House members to summon the deans of faculties of the institution and also visit National Universities Commission, the students last week staged a protest to the Lagos state House of Assembly to call the attention of government to their problems.
One of the students, Toriola Abiodun who spoke with LEADERSHIP explained that the news of de-accrediation got to them through their union President, Dada Shadrack and it was confirmed by the newspapers.
He said; "The courses were Law, Business Administration, Economics, Sociology, Marketing, Political Science, Management Technology and others, only two courses were left. This and other reasons prompted us to make the peaceful protest". Toriola added that most professors in the school have gone to other universities due to in-house problems the school are battling with and that graduates from the institution could not secure jobs. He urged the state government to find a lasting solution to their predicaments.
The Union President, Dada Shadrack told journalists that they want government to address their problems as a matter of urgency, adding that the future of this country is at stake. "If 10 courses were de-accredited in LASU then what are we doing in the school? This is the only university Lagos has and nothing has been done to avert the problems we are urging Governor Fashola to address the issue", he added.
Addressing the students, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade assured the students that Lagos House of Assembly has set up 3-man ad-hoc committee to meet NUC on the dis-accreditation. The lawmaker urged the students to assist the House on what the problem is and come back to present their facts on the issue. The house also summoned the school's vice chancellor, deans of all the faculties affected by the denied accreditation, academic staff union of universities (ASUU) LASU chapter to appear before the house next Tuesday. The majority leader, Agunbiade and Wahab Alawiye-King, the house ad-hoc committee chairman on education were also mandated to get across to the NUC to find out the cause of accreditation denial.
The members were disturbed on what actually prompted the denial in 10 courses, this and other issues calls for visitation to NUC members in Abuja but the lawmakers also promised to call on the stakeholders in the state to find a lasting solution to the education problem in the state. The students during the protest visited media houses to inform the public on what their grievances were but it was known to the lawmaker who attended to them that they did not come to cause problem despite the fact that the Assembly entrance was blocked by their vehicles. All effort to speak with the Vice Chancellor of LASU proved abortive but the Public Relations Officer of the institution told LEADERSHIP Education that whenever she has any information related to the issue she would contact me.
It would be recalled that the Union and students had earlier called for the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Lateef Hussain but were stopped by the House of Assembly's intervention.
In a 76-page document entitled "My Achievements at Lagos State University 2005-2009" Hussein said his achievements centered on LASU's attainment of a modern and well managed institution which placed premium on academic excellence and the moral integrity of the students and staff of the institution.
In achieving this target, the VC said that his four years in the school so far had witnessed the establishment of a modern information technology system that had enhanced e-registration, examination result checks, effective data base, VSAT, identity card projects and IT laboratory. But the story was different when members of Lagos Assembly summoned both the students and unions. They proved that he has not done anything as far as LASU is concern.
The VC and other deans of faculty were billed to appear before the House last Tuesday 26 October, 2010.
Apart from LASU, other institutions affected by the de-accreditation by NUC were University of Lagos (UNILAG) with these courses Radiology, Education economics, Business studies, Technical education, Home economics and Insurance. University of Abuja, Delta state University, University of Uyo, Covenant University, Tai Solarin University, University of Nigeria Nsukka among others.
Accreditation of courses for Nigerian universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) is to respond to the challenges of enhancing quality of university education in Nigeria. The NUC began the accreditation in 1990 to ensure conformity with minimum standards and quality education.
The accreditation exercise done by NUC in 2005, was found to have increased from 12.6 in 1999, to 48.5 in 2005, while the one for programmes which were denied accreditation decreased from 17.9 in 1999, to 9.5 in 2005.
Federal universities had more programmes with full accreditation and less programmes with denied accreditation status. State universities had less number of programmes with full accreditation and higher number with denied accreditation status. Generally, the results showed that accreditation status of most academic programmes improved in subsequent accreditation exercises, meaning that the deficiencies noticed were remedied. The number of programmes that were denied accreditation resulted to reduction in the number of vacancies for student admission.
The most recent exercises were held in 2009/2010, and two programmes, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) of the University of Abuja and Architecture of Caristas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu were closed down by the commission. The most affected among the universities visited by the accreditation team is Lagos State University (LASU), where major courses were denied accreditation. The affected courses include; Business Administration, Economics, Banking and Finance, Sociology, Accounting, Management Technology, Law, Political Science, Chemical and Polymer Engineering and Marketing. One other institution affected was Redeemer University, Mowe, Lagos which had 14 of its course programmes denied accreditation status.
The information concerning the de-accreditation of courses was published in The Guardian newspaper of 8th October, 2010. However touched by the sensitivity of the issue, a Lagos lawmaker in the House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade raised the issue at the plenary session. In their reactions, the lawmakers expressed worry over the denial of accreditation of 10 courses in LASU being the only state university in Lagos who had earlier suffered setback in the academic activities due to incessant strike by the lecturers. Agunbiade who noted that the students are again back at home due to strike embarked upon by lecturers, pointed out that the aftermath of the strike may lead the students into prostitution and other forms of vices.
He added that when he put calls across to some lecturers of the institution to find out the cause of the denial of accreditation in some courses, "I was told that it has to do with insufficient infrastructure in the school and overcrowded classrooms among other complaints", Agunbiade said. The lawmaker explained that there is the need to look into the education with a view of finding a lasting solution to the sector.
The deputy speaker, Bola Badmus-Olujobi and Babatunde Ogala from Ikeja constituency who both decried the situation, suggested that the house should call on those in charge of the education sector to come and explain to the house the cause of the de-accreditation.
The majority leader, Taiwo Kolawole explained that the denied accreditation in some courses is a disgrace to the state. "I believe that the incessant strike by lecturers could be responsible for the denied accreditation", he added.
After the decision of the House members to summon the deans of faculties of the institution and also visit National Universities Commission, the students last week staged a protest to the Lagos state House of Assembly to call the attention of government to their problems.
One of the students, Toriola Abiodun who spoke with LEADERSHIP explained that the news of de-accrediation got to them through their union President, Dada Shadrack and it was confirmed by the newspapers.
He said; "The courses were Law, Business Administration, Economics, Sociology, Marketing, Political Science, Management Technology and others, only two courses were left. This and other reasons prompted us to make the peaceful protest". Toriola added that most professors in the school have gone to other universities due to in-house problems the school are battling with and that graduates from the institution could not secure jobs. He urged the state government to find a lasting solution to their predicaments.
The Union President, Dada Shadrack told journalists that they want government to address their problems as a matter of urgency, adding that the future of this country is at stake. "If 10 courses were de-accredited in LASU then what are we doing in the school? This is the only university Lagos has and nothing has been done to avert the problems we are urging Governor Fashola to address the issue", he added.
Addressing the students, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade assured the students that Lagos House of Assembly has set up 3-man ad-hoc committee to meet NUC on the dis-accreditation. The lawmaker urged the students to assist the House on what the problem is and come back to present their facts on the issue. The house also summoned the school's vice chancellor, deans of all the faculties affected by the denied accreditation, academic staff union of universities (ASUU) LASU chapter to appear before the house next Tuesday. The majority leader, Agunbiade and Wahab Alawiye-King, the house ad-hoc committee chairman on education were also mandated to get across to the NUC to find out the cause of accreditation denial.
The members were disturbed on what actually prompted the denial in 10 courses, this and other issues calls for visitation to NUC members in Abuja but the lawmakers also promised to call on the stakeholders in the state to find a lasting solution to the education problem in the state. The students during the protest visited media houses to inform the public on what their grievances were but it was known to the lawmaker who attended to them that they did not come to cause problem despite the fact that the Assembly entrance was blocked by their vehicles. All effort to speak with the Vice Chancellor of LASU proved abortive but the Public Relations Officer of the institution told LEADERSHIP Education that whenever she has any information related to the issue she would contact me.
It would be recalled that the Union and students had earlier called for the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Lateef Hussain but were stopped by the House of Assembly's intervention.
In a 76-page document entitled "My Achievements at Lagos State University 2005-2009" Hussein said his achievements centered on LASU's attainment of a modern and well managed institution which placed premium on academic excellence and the moral integrity of the students and staff of the institution.
In achieving this target, the VC said that his four years in the school so far had witnessed the establishment of a modern information technology system that had enhanced e-registration, examination result checks, effective data base, VSAT, identity card projects and IT laboratory. But the story was different when members of Lagos Assembly summoned both the students and unions. They proved that he has not done anything as far as LASU is concern.
The VC and other deans of faculty were billed to appear before the House last Tuesday 26 October, 2010.
Apart from LASU, other institutions affected by the de-accreditation by NUC were University of Lagos (UNILAG) with these courses Radiology, Education economics, Business studies, Technical education, Home economics and Insurance. University of Abuja, Delta state University, University of Uyo, Covenant University, Tai Solarin University, University of Nigeria Nsukka among others.
STRIKING WORKERS THREATHEN FASHOLA'S RE-ELECTION
The four week-old industrial action by staff unions in four Lagos State tertiary institutions took a new dimension as they threatened to vote against Governor Babatunde Fashola in 2011 polls for failing to implement their demands.
Union leaders at a protest rally organized by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU chapter warned Fashola and his political team of the political consequences of not meeting their demands before the 2011 elections.
Former chairman of SSANU, UNILAG chapter, Prince Oriwaye Adefolalu, said Fashola should be called to order and if he fails to retrace his steps, staff unions, students and doctors who are also on strike would not vote for him during 2011 election.
He urged the staff unions in Lagos State not to relax until their demands are meant but asked the workers to use their political weapon to vote out the present administration noting that because of the crisis, a week national strike is in progress nationwide.
The chairman of SSANU, LASU chapter, Funmi Sessi, asked Fashola to heed the voice of the striking workers or face the political consequences in the 2011 poll while insisting that the demands of the workers were their rights warning that “the struggle has just started”.
Sessi carpeted the claim by Fashola that resources are limited to meet their demands and warned him that he is joking with the vote of workers of the state tertiary institutions and possibly, those of the striking doctors.
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Mr. Olatunji Arowolo, was more categorical as he asked striking workers in the four government owned tertiary institutions and the medical doctors not to vote for Governor Fashola in the 2011 polls.
He warned the governor that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) coordinating the activities of the striking workers would mobilize their members and possibly the medical doctors to use their votes against the administration, noting that these institutions are nothing to write home about as they lack facilities.
The chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LASU chapter, Dr. Kabir Akinyemi, said the protest rally is to ensure that the state government implements the agreement and urged the staff unions to stand firm in the struggle.
The Chairman, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Mr. Adeyemi Adesanya, described the demands of the workers as a just one and that the agreement signed by the Federal Government/COEASU is binding on state institutions and Fashola was part of the Council of State.
Adesanya warned against intimidation by the government and asked the workers to vote wisely in 2011 polls while the Chairman of National Association of Academic Technologist (NAAT), LASU branch, Mr. Adekunle Adenuga, said the gathering was to tell the world that staff unions in the state are being oppressed.
Union leaders at a protest rally organized by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU chapter warned Fashola and his political team of the political consequences of not meeting their demands before the 2011 elections.
Former chairman of SSANU, UNILAG chapter, Prince Oriwaye Adefolalu, said Fashola should be called to order and if he fails to retrace his steps, staff unions, students and doctors who are also on strike would not vote for him during 2011 election.
He urged the staff unions in Lagos State not to relax until their demands are meant but asked the workers to use their political weapon to vote out the present administration noting that because of the crisis, a week national strike is in progress nationwide.
The chairman of SSANU, LASU chapter, Funmi Sessi, asked Fashola to heed the voice of the striking workers or face the political consequences in the 2011 poll while insisting that the demands of the workers were their rights warning that “the struggle has just started”.
Sessi carpeted the claim by Fashola that resources are limited to meet their demands and warned him that he is joking with the vote of workers of the state tertiary institutions and possibly, those of the striking doctors.
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Mr. Olatunji Arowolo, was more categorical as he asked striking workers in the four government owned tertiary institutions and the medical doctors not to vote for Governor Fashola in the 2011 polls.
He warned the governor that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) coordinating the activities of the striking workers would mobilize their members and possibly the medical doctors to use their votes against the administration, noting that these institutions are nothing to write home about as they lack facilities.
The chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LASU chapter, Dr. Kabir Akinyemi, said the protest rally is to ensure that the state government implements the agreement and urged the staff unions to stand firm in the struggle.
The Chairman, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Mr. Adeyemi Adesanya, described the demands of the workers as a just one and that the agreement signed by the Federal Government/COEASU is binding on state institutions and Fashola was part of the Council of State.
Adesanya warned against intimidation by the government and asked the workers to vote wisely in 2011 polls while the Chairman of National Association of Academic Technologist (NAAT), LASU branch, Mr. Adekunle Adenuga, said the gathering was to tell the world that staff unions in the state are being oppressed.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
LASU unions hold rally against embattled VC
LAGOS—Academic and non-academic staff of Lagos State University, LASU, held a protest rally yesterday, seeking the implementation of the FGN/ASUU Agreement 2009 and the sack of the embattled Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lateef Hussein, whom the Lagos State House of Assembly had passed a vote of no confidence on and urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to remove him from office.
As early as 10a.m., workers, lecturers of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State had gathered at the Eyo Square in the centre of the campus anchored by Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSNU, LASU chapter chairman, Ms. Funmi Sessi to begin a solidarity march which took the striking workers to the Badagry Expressway slightly affecting traffic flow.
Among the protesting unions were Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; SSANU; National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT; Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU; Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCOPED; Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP; Non-Academic Staff Union, etc.
Addressing the mammoth rally, SSANU-LASU Chairman, Funmi Sessi, praised the courage of the workers in fight for their rights, insisting that they will not give up their rights, even with traitors on the prowl.
As early as 10a.m., workers, lecturers of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State had gathered at the Eyo Square in the centre of the campus anchored by Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSNU, LASU chapter chairman, Ms. Funmi Sessi to begin a solidarity march which took the striking workers to the Badagry Expressway slightly affecting traffic flow.
Among the protesting unions were Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; SSANU; National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT; Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU; Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCOPED; Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP; Non-Academic Staff Union, etc.
Addressing the mammoth rally, SSANU-LASU Chairman, Funmi Sessi, praised the courage of the workers in fight for their rights, insisting that they will not give up their rights, even with traitors on the prowl.
LASU unions hold rally against embattled VC
LAGOS—Academic and non-academic staff of Lagos State University, LASU, held a protest rally yesterday, seeking the implementation of the FGN/ASUU Agreement 2009 and the sack of the embattled Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lateef Hussein, whom the Lagos State House of Assembly had passed a vote of no confidence on and urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to remove him from office.
As early as 10a.m., workers, lecturers of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State had gathered at the Eyo Square in the centre of the campus anchored by Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSNU, LASU chapter chairman, Ms. Funmi Sessi to begin a solidarity march which took the striking workers to the Badagry Expressway slightly affecting traffic flow.
Among the protesting unions were Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; SSANU; National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT; Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU; Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCOPED; Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP; Non-Academic Staff Union, etc.
Addressing the mammoth rally, SSANU-LASU Chairman, Funmi Sessi, praised the courage of the workers in fight for their rights, insisting that they will not give up their rights, even with traitors on the prowl.
As early as 10a.m., workers, lecturers of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State had gathered at the Eyo Square in the centre of the campus anchored by Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSNU, LASU chapter chairman, Ms. Funmi Sessi to begin a solidarity march which took the striking workers to the Badagry Expressway slightly affecting traffic flow.
Among the protesting unions were Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; SSANU; National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT; Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU; Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCOPED; Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP; Non-Academic Staff Union, etc.
Addressing the mammoth rally, SSANU-LASU Chairman, Funmi Sessi, praised the courage of the workers in fight for their rights, insisting that they will not give up their rights, even with traitors on the prowl.
LASU CRISIS UPDATES>LAHA calls for Hussain's removal
Lagos — It was unfortunate to see a Vice Chancellor of a reputable university stammering when asked a simple question and being unable give adequate answers but babbling. One of the questions posed to him is 'how many staff are working with him' but he could not mutter a correct answer.
The lingering crisis in Lagos State University (LASU) reached its peak last week when members of Lagos State House Assembly summoned the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lateef Hussein, and deans of various faculties of the institution. The call was as a result of de-accreditation of 10 courses in the institution which the lawmakers were not happy with, saying that it might lead to the closure of the school by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Hon. Sanai Agunbiade representing Ikorodu 1 and also a product of LASU brought the issue before the House.
While questioning the Vice Chancellor on why the courses were being de-accredited, he explained that lack of infrastructure and inadequate lecturers, including lack of funds made the commission to deny LASU the courses. As a matter of fact, Professor Lateef vividly explained the problem confronting the university but he failed to see that he was the cause of the predicament being encountered by both students and the lecturers.
Part of what he said was that there is no laboratories, libraries especially for law department which led to its de-accreditation.
However, the deans of faculties and chairman of ASUU and LASU shed more light on where and how the lawmakers can find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis in the school. They all pointed out that VC is the major problem of the institution.
Chairman of the institution's branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Kabir Akinyemi, while briefing the lawmakers accused the Vice Chancellor, Lateef Hussein of sitting on the promotion of some of the lecturers since 2005.
He said that the union had been sending warning signals and calling on interested persons to save the institution before the NUC finally visited. He also said the VC had successfully driven away qualified lecturers and had appointed his cronies and made them heads despite the fact that such lecturers were on contract.
According to him, the institution's Director of Academic Planning, Olanrewaju John who was appointed and made a level 14 staff with just a Bachelor of Art (BA) and barely six years experience for a job that should be handled by a Professor, was the least qualified for the job. "LASU is the only university where the Director of Academic Planning is a non academic staff and so grossly inexperienced.
"Due to poor condition of services, many of the qualified lecturers have gone for greener pastures," he said, adding that the VC appointed non-academic staff as lecturers in the part time arm of the institution.
Part of the accusations included that he (Hussein) misappropriated several billions of naira granted the school by the state government.
While the Faculty of Law only has one professor as against the NUC requirement of six, the Accounting Department, Dr. Akinyemi said, had no single PhD holder.
On his part, Ayo Omotayo, Acting head of Geography department, said he was very sure that his department would lose its accreditation next month when the NUC visits. He accused the management of the school of administrative high-handedness and incompetence since 2005.
"Between 2005 and now, LASU has lost all its competent lecturers. Even if the pay was bad, if you are not encouraged or if you are hounded for speaking the truth, then you would move to where you can be encouraged," he said, adding that this was the reason most lecturers ran away from the institution.
He also accused the House Committee on Education headed by Wahab Alawiye-King of reneging in its duties regarding the school.
Denying the VC's claim that the institution was not well funded, Dr. Olatunji Abanikannda, a lecturer in the institution, said the funds were either misappropriated or not prioritised.
"All the problems of the institution are self-inflicted by the VC. What happened to those who grew with LASU? The rules of the school were never obeyed by the Vice Chancellor," he said, asking what happened to the over N2.5 billion made available to the institution recently?
When asked for his reaction, Professor Hussein only blamed the institution's senate and governing board for its problems. He also blamed external regulators for the delay in promotion of the lecturersBut he was quickly reminded by the Speaker of the House, Ikuforiji, that he had the power to influence promotions.
After series of complaints by the deans and others, the lawmakers asked the vice chancellor to respond but the way he approached the questions put the members off. He started as if he has something meaning to say but at the end nothing was said to prove the deans and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) chairman wrong.
The lawmakers were not happy with the way he answered the questions including those who came to witness the sitting.
While reacting, Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji made it known to everybody that House will not allow anybody to interfere in the incisive decision that will be taken on the ongoing crisis rocking the state university.
The Speaker who explained that he had on several occasions intervened in LASU crisis to ensure the school gets what it wants, said he was disappointed that despite giving the VC a soft landing before, he had refused to adhere to the advice of the lawmakers.
He vowed that the lawmakers would take a drastic decision and that that they would not allow any elder statesman no matter how highly placed to influence their decision as it was in the past. "There are a number of issues that we are not happy with because this is no longer the LASU of our dream", he said.
Some of the lawmakers also demanded for the release of the white paper submitted to the Executive by the visiting panel set up to look into the crises being faced by the institution several months ago.
A day after the debate, the lawmakers as a matter of urgency called for the removal of vice chancellor. Following deliberation on the LASU crisis the House last Tuesday passed a vote of no confidence on the V.C and called on the visitor to the institution, Governor Babatunde Fashola to immediately put the machinery in motion for his removal.
According to the Speaker, "from all that the House gathered at the hearing, it became very clear to us that since the present Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hussain took over the mantle of leadership, a lot has happened.
"It is clear to us that after his initial success, the rest of his administration has been characterised by falling academic standard, decaying infrastructure, poor human and material resource management, administrative ineptitude, poor human relations and victimisation in various forms leading to exodus of committed members of staff, especially the academic staff," Ikuforiji said .
He stressed that the House has continuously and consistently intervened in matters and crisis engulfing the university over a period making several recommendations, which the VC has neglected to the detriment of sound academic environment.
"The House at its executive session decided to pass a vote House also decided to call on the visitor, His Excellency Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Governor of Lagos State to put in motion necessary machinery for the removal of the Vice Chancellor immediately.
"The House also decided to call on the visitor to please put in place immediately, machinery to address the requirement for re-accreditation of the courses that have been denied accreditation and also to ensure no other course is denied accreditation in the future," said the Speaker.
Ikuforiji also explained that the lawmakers are talking about putting in place all that is necessary to have the infrastructure and the required academic staff for the re-accreditation of the denied courses. "That is the brief of the decision taken by this House at the Executive session.
Ikuforiji however, put the decision to vote on the floor and all the members present at the day's sitting voted in favour of it.
LEADERSHIP spoke with Hon. Sanai Agunbiade who raised the motion on the floor of the House after the House passed its vote of no confidence on the VC. He assertsed that Lagos State Assembly could not called for the sack of LASU VC at initially because they want to give him time to correct all the anomalies, adding that as the day he was summoned, they perceived that nothing has been done regards to what happened last time.
"Those who were passionate about the institution had left due to other universities. The way he answered questions on the floor showed that Professor Lateef is no more in control of the school," Agunbiade said.
Continuing, he lamented over the de-accreditation of 10 courses and others who are awaiting accreditation by November, pointing that drastic action needs to be taken to ensure that other causes are accredited.
He said has made effort to give the VC time to control the situation but it was unfortunate that the same problem was brought before the House again, so this prompted us to call for his removal.
The House and the publics are the Governor, Babatunde Fashola to attest to the call of the House.
The lingering crisis in Lagos State University (LASU) reached its peak last week when members of Lagos State House Assembly summoned the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lateef Hussein, and deans of various faculties of the institution. The call was as a result of de-accreditation of 10 courses in the institution which the lawmakers were not happy with, saying that it might lead to the closure of the school by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Hon. Sanai Agunbiade representing Ikorodu 1 and also a product of LASU brought the issue before the House.
While questioning the Vice Chancellor on why the courses were being de-accredited, he explained that lack of infrastructure and inadequate lecturers, including lack of funds made the commission to deny LASU the courses. As a matter of fact, Professor Lateef vividly explained the problem confronting the university but he failed to see that he was the cause of the predicament being encountered by both students and the lecturers.
Part of what he said was that there is no laboratories, libraries especially for law department which led to its de-accreditation.
However, the deans of faculties and chairman of ASUU and LASU shed more light on where and how the lawmakers can find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis in the school. They all pointed out that VC is the major problem of the institution.
Chairman of the institution's branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Kabir Akinyemi, while briefing the lawmakers accused the Vice Chancellor, Lateef Hussein of sitting on the promotion of some of the lecturers since 2005.
He said that the union had been sending warning signals and calling on interested persons to save the institution before the NUC finally visited. He also said the VC had successfully driven away qualified lecturers and had appointed his cronies and made them heads despite the fact that such lecturers were on contract.
According to him, the institution's Director of Academic Planning, Olanrewaju John who was appointed and made a level 14 staff with just a Bachelor of Art (BA) and barely six years experience for a job that should be handled by a Professor, was the least qualified for the job. "LASU is the only university where the Director of Academic Planning is a non academic staff and so grossly inexperienced.
"Due to poor condition of services, many of the qualified lecturers have gone for greener pastures," he said, adding that the VC appointed non-academic staff as lecturers in the part time arm of the institution.
Part of the accusations included that he (Hussein) misappropriated several billions of naira granted the school by the state government.
While the Faculty of Law only has one professor as against the NUC requirement of six, the Accounting Department, Dr. Akinyemi said, had no single PhD holder.
On his part, Ayo Omotayo, Acting head of Geography department, said he was very sure that his department would lose its accreditation next month when the NUC visits. He accused the management of the school of administrative high-handedness and incompetence since 2005.
"Between 2005 and now, LASU has lost all its competent lecturers. Even if the pay was bad, if you are not encouraged or if you are hounded for speaking the truth, then you would move to where you can be encouraged," he said, adding that this was the reason most lecturers ran away from the institution.
He also accused the House Committee on Education headed by Wahab Alawiye-King of reneging in its duties regarding the school.
Denying the VC's claim that the institution was not well funded, Dr. Olatunji Abanikannda, a lecturer in the institution, said the funds were either misappropriated or not prioritised.
"All the problems of the institution are self-inflicted by the VC. What happened to those who grew with LASU? The rules of the school were never obeyed by the Vice Chancellor," he said, asking what happened to the over N2.5 billion made available to the institution recently?
When asked for his reaction, Professor Hussein only blamed the institution's senate and governing board for its problems. He also blamed external regulators for the delay in promotion of the lecturersBut he was quickly reminded by the Speaker of the House, Ikuforiji, that he had the power to influence promotions.
After series of complaints by the deans and others, the lawmakers asked the vice chancellor to respond but the way he approached the questions put the members off. He started as if he has something meaning to say but at the end nothing was said to prove the deans and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) chairman wrong.
The lawmakers were not happy with the way he answered the questions including those who came to witness the sitting.
While reacting, Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji made it known to everybody that House will not allow anybody to interfere in the incisive decision that will be taken on the ongoing crisis rocking the state university.
The Speaker who explained that he had on several occasions intervened in LASU crisis to ensure the school gets what it wants, said he was disappointed that despite giving the VC a soft landing before, he had refused to adhere to the advice of the lawmakers.
He vowed that the lawmakers would take a drastic decision and that that they would not allow any elder statesman no matter how highly placed to influence their decision as it was in the past. "There are a number of issues that we are not happy with because this is no longer the LASU of our dream", he said.
Some of the lawmakers also demanded for the release of the white paper submitted to the Executive by the visiting panel set up to look into the crises being faced by the institution several months ago.
A day after the debate, the lawmakers as a matter of urgency called for the removal of vice chancellor. Following deliberation on the LASU crisis the House last Tuesday passed a vote of no confidence on the V.C and called on the visitor to the institution, Governor Babatunde Fashola to immediately put the machinery in motion for his removal.
According to the Speaker, "from all that the House gathered at the hearing, it became very clear to us that since the present Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hussain took over the mantle of leadership, a lot has happened.
"It is clear to us that after his initial success, the rest of his administration has been characterised by falling academic standard, decaying infrastructure, poor human and material resource management, administrative ineptitude, poor human relations and victimisation in various forms leading to exodus of committed members of staff, especially the academic staff," Ikuforiji said .
He stressed that the House has continuously and consistently intervened in matters and crisis engulfing the university over a period making several recommendations, which the VC has neglected to the detriment of sound academic environment.
"The House at its executive session decided to pass a vote House also decided to call on the visitor, His Excellency Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Governor of Lagos State to put in motion necessary machinery for the removal of the Vice Chancellor immediately.
"The House also decided to call on the visitor to please put in place immediately, machinery to address the requirement for re-accreditation of the courses that have been denied accreditation and also to ensure no other course is denied accreditation in the future," said the Speaker.
Ikuforiji also explained that the lawmakers are talking about putting in place all that is necessary to have the infrastructure and the required academic staff for the re-accreditation of the denied courses. "That is the brief of the decision taken by this House at the Executive session.
Ikuforiji however, put the decision to vote on the floor and all the members present at the day's sitting voted in favour of it.
LEADERSHIP spoke with Hon. Sanai Agunbiade who raised the motion on the floor of the House after the House passed its vote of no confidence on the VC. He assertsed that Lagos State Assembly could not called for the sack of LASU VC at initially because they want to give him time to correct all the anomalies, adding that as the day he was summoned, they perceived that nothing has been done regards to what happened last time.
"Those who were passionate about the institution had left due to other universities. The way he answered questions on the floor showed that Professor Lateef is no more in control of the school," Agunbiade said.
Continuing, he lamented over the de-accreditation of 10 courses and others who are awaiting accreditation by November, pointing that drastic action needs to be taken to ensure that other causes are accredited.
He said has made effort to give the VC time to control the situation but it was unfortunate that the same problem was brought before the House again, so this prompted us to call for his removal.
The House and the publics are the Governor, Babatunde Fashola to attest to the call of the House.
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