The Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji to caution the Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr Olushola Odusanya against politicizing the Agency and plunging it into crisis.
The chairman of NIPR in Osun State, Ademola Adesoji, in a statement released on Wednesday, 13th December 2023, underscored the risks associated with politicizing a crucial institution like NACETEM, which plays a pivotal role in fostering the nation’s Science, Technology, and Innovation systems.
Adesoji highlighted, “Our institute is concerned about emerging tensions within NACETEM, involving the Director General, Dr Olusola Odusanya and Mr. Isaac Oluyi, an Assistant Director at the Centre and a member of our institute, who is a committed member of our prestigious institute, NIPR.
“Mr Oluyi was accused by the Management of sponsoring an online media publication against the Centre on chronicle.ng. Mr. Oluyi attended a panel convened by his accusers, albeit with reservations, which failed to present evidence linking him to the said publication but insisted on his involvement.
“Furthermore, an unauthorized attempt was made to detain Mr. Oluyi within the Centre’s premises by an individual claiming to be a Police Officer, Wale Adeosun, supposedly acting on orders from the Area Commander. However, this action lacked proper documentation and was refuted by the Area Commander upon inquiry by the Non-academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) NACETEM Branch.
“NACETEM, a Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Agency, is entrusted with training high-level manpower and conducting policy research in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) management for government and private sectors. Therefore, introducing internal politicking jeopardizes its objectives and tarnishes its credibility.
“For us in NIPR, an injury to one is an injury to all,”he emphasized.
Adesoji urged the Minister to intervene, pointing out that the unfolding events suggest a misuse of power and personal vendetta. He lauded Mr. Oluyi’s dedication to ethical standards and commitment to upholding NACETEM’s image and mission.
The Institute calls upon the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji to address the situation promptly and uphold the integrity of NACETEM.
