The Minister of women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has received with shock the news that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is reportedly kicking against the appointment of Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Dame Tallen said ASUU’s position was unfair, especially coming at a time when Affirmative Action has taken sway in National Development.
Earlier in a statement, the Minister had cause to applaud the Ambassador (Dr) Godknows Igali-led Governing Council of FUTA for being proactive in its choice of Professor Oladiji, saying the decision “truly resonates with the current demand for more women representation at all levels of decision-making”.
According to the statement, “The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, as the National Gender Machinery for the advancement of women, is calling all aggrieved parties to sheath the sword and support this great Nigerian Woman to lead this great citadel of learning to greater heights.”
The statement said the elevation of Professor Oladiji was based on “election rather than selection and For Nigerian Women, this process is more superior to selection and we stand with this decision as a true demonstration of the height of democracy and Affirmative Action”.
The Minister also appealed to the aggrieved party, on behalf of Nigerian Women and Mothers, to give peace a chance and allow Professor Oladiji to enjoy her tenure as the VC of FUTA with all, including ASUU-FUTA queuing behind her to make a difference in the Vice-Chancellorship of the institution.
Writing by Azizatu Sani; Editing by Daniel Adejo and Tony Okerafor