Inside RUGIPO’s Financial Struggles: Banji Alabi Reveals What Really Happened

I write to address the allegations made against me regarding my tenure as Chairman of RUGIPO. I believe these accusations stem from a lack of understanding, misinformation, and personal biases.

Key Points:

1. *Role and Responsibilities*: The position of Chairman is part-time, with meetings held twice a quarter. I do not participate in the day-to-day operations of the school, which is the responsibility of the Rector.
2. *State of the School*: Upon assuming office, the school was already in disarray from the time of Mimiko, facing significant challenges, including 9 months of unpaid salaries and wages . It is inaccurate to suggest that the school’s deterioration began during my tenure, this is falsehood:
3. *Team and Achievements*: The team I worked with comprised highly respected individuals, including a former First Lady, a current Senator, and other distinguished professionals. Our collective efforts led to notable improvements in the school’s facilities and operations.
4. *Funding Challenges*: The primary issue facing Owo Poly is funding. The school relies on two sources: ;-(1) government funding and (2) school fees. The current fees are insufficient to cover operational costs.
5. *Financial Context*: For context, the annual school fee during my tenure was
⁠N35,000 per student. Per annum

The fees collected from 500 students (≈ N17.5 million) are inadequate for the school’s needs. Hell was let loose, when we attempted to increased it to N50,000 per student, per annum
6. *Personal Background*: My 25-year tenure at Chevron Nigeria Limited involved managing substantial budgets, exceeding those of six  states put together in Nigeria . I attended top institutions and have a track record of integrity.
7. *Response to Allegations*: I challenge the assertion that funds were mismanaged. I invite scrutiny of the school’s accounts, which show zero  balances post-salary payments. Where is the opportunity for corruption here ;
8. *Panel Invitation*: I declined the panel invitation to protect a friend, the Governor.
The root cause of the school’s issues is the government’s failure to pay salaries, leading to unrest.
9. *Suspension*: The suspension is illegal, as the Ondo State Polytechnic Law stipulates that removal of a Chairman can only be done by the Council itself. The government’s actions are therefore without basis. “It’s a welcome relief to be free from that situation. I have a thriving business in Lagos and don’t need the position. I didn’t lobby for it; in fact, I was persuaded to accept it. The Governor even sent representatives to appeal to me personally.
10. *Urgent Appeal*: As Napoleon Bonaparte aptly said, “L’armée marche avec son ventre” (“The army marches on its belly”). Timely payment of salaries is crucial to maintaining stability. I urge the government to prioritize salary payments and promotions to avert further unrest, otherwise, even our Lord Jesus Christ cannot survive at RUGIPO

11: Government’s Complicity : It’s like punishing the innocent motor boy while the reckless driver is hailed and rewarded. The government is scapegoating me, while the real issues remain unaddressed. – ( Payment of Salaries and wages)

No one wants to take on the job, and four years later, they still can’t find a replacement. Everyone contacted rejected the offer – This shows they’re part of the problem, not the solution.

12:Recommendations: I reiterate that addressing funding constraints is key to the school’s success. I am committed to seeing Owo Poly thrive and welcome constructive dialogue.