By Daniel Edu
The Osun State government has taken the decision to temporarily close the State Polytechnic in Iree for a period of two weeks. In addition to this, the government has also ordered the freezing of the institution’s financial accounts, effective immediately. These directives were communicated through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole.
This development follows the suspension of the institution’s Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in July. The suspension was prompted by allegations of corruption against the Rector, including financial misconduct, misappropriation of funds, and abuse of office, as outlined in a July 11, 2023 memo from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Muritala Jimoh, addressed to the Acting Registrar of the polytechnic.
Subsequently, Governor Adeleke appointed Mr. Alabi Kehinde Adeyemi as the acting Rector, effective immediately, pending the proper investigation of the allegations leveled against Dr. Odetayo by relevant authorities.
However, in a recent turn of events, the suspended Rector resumed his duties with an interim injunction that halted the execution of his suspension until the matter could be fully adjudicated in court.
In light of these circumstances, the Osun State government has deemed it necessary to close the institution temporarily, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and order in the institution. The statement further noted that the school’s financial accounts have been frozen with immediate effect, and it urged all stakeholders, including staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to fully cooperate and adhere to these directives.
