Nigerian rector suspended for installing bed in his office to be sleeping at work

In Nigeria, the Academic Board of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has reportedly suspended the rector of the institution, Dr. John Adekolawole, after he installed a bed on his office.

The rector was suspended by the board for allegedly sleeping during working hours, after a king sized bed was installed in his office.

The Chairman of the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Adekunle Masopa, While speaking at an emergency congress of the union on Friday, said the academic board made its decision based on the 21 grounds submitted.

Masopa said when he heard that members of the academic board had a rowdy session at their meeting, he quickly went to the venue, but was told not to intervene.

“We tried to intervene, but members of the academic board said they had taken a decision and that their decision would stand. They, however, said a position paper would be communicated to us. The said position paper has been communicated to us.” He added.

He further stated some of the reasons why the action was being taken.

He said; “The following are some of the reasons adduced for the action: one, flagrant dereliction of duty by absconding from office for about a month. Two, the desecration of the highly respected office of the rector with the creation of a bedroom furnished with a king-size bed which has made it possible for him to be sleeping at work.

“Improper improvisation of dual award programme of National Diploma plus NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) programme in collaboration with a consultant.”

But Sola Lawal, the Protocol/Media Relations Officer of the institution, in a statement, said the issues causing disagreements in the institution would be resolved.

The statement read in part, “Following the purported suspension of the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, by the Academic Board of the institution, I wish to first and foremost restate that the school is not in crisis in any way whatsoever.

While we are cognisant of the fact that there are pending fundamental issues to be resolved; as a one big family, I want to assure members of the public and the polytechnic community that the management is on top of the situation and working assiduously to douse the tension.

“Furthermore, it is imperative to inform the public and the academic community that the National Board for Technical Education in collaboration with eminent stakeholders within Ede Community are working round the clock to amicably resolve all contending issues without delay.”