Yabatech Reacts to Allegations of Fraud

Our attention has been drawn to a defamatory and contemptuous report in the current edition of Sahara Reporters, an online publication. We therefore, wish to alert the College stakeholders, critical publics, and Nigerians in general that the publication is the handiwork of a drowning alarmist, whose mission is to misinform and stir up strife. Besides, the following points are worthy of note:

1.    The allegations in the purported sabre-rattling are a fall-out of Mr. Olu Ibirogba’s case before the court, challenging his suspension as the Bursar of Yaba College of Technology. Since a properly constituted law court is looking into the case, responding to Mr. Ibirogba’s vitriolic attack here and now is unnecessary, contemptuous and far from the dignity for which Yabatech is known.

2.    Many of the allegations reiterated in the latest petition have been in circulation for more than a year. In fact substantial number of the allegations had been investigated by the Governing Council and found to be spurious and a calculated attempt to malign the image of the Rector. Although we are not unmindful that some of the allegations have been embellished for special effects, and some new ones added.

3.    It is on record that one of the first mandates of the Yabatech Governing Council, headed by elder statesman, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, when it resumed office in 2013 was to investigate the initial allegations. The Council found the allegations as mere figments of the imagination of an over ambitious fifth columnist.

4.    The said Ibirogba was the sitting College Bursar as at the time the skirmishes he claimed took place were recorded. The relevant question then is why he kept quiet until he was placed on suspension before pretending to don the cloak of a crusader.

5.    The use of the College letter headed paper in writing his petition should tell discerning Nigerians that this man must be out to carry out a mischief, and to fan the ember of parochialism and/or vendetta.

6.     Anyone in doubt or curious enough about the landmark achievements of the current Rector, Dr. Mrs. Margaret Ladipo should visit the College. This Lady is an achiever of note, a developer per excellence and a woman of substance who has stamped her name in the hall of fame in the country.

7.    Well meaning Nigerians should discountenance the ember of vengeance being perpetuated by Mr. Olu Ibirogba and his cohorts. The College will react appropriately on the blackmail at the right time.

Thank you.

Signed
Charles Oni, MNIPR, FIPDM
Director, Information and Public Relations.