By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Governing Council of the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke, has debunked reports stating that a protest broke out over the recent appointment of an Acting Rector for the institution.

In a statement released by the Council Chairman, Diran Odeyemi, the Council described the report as not only misleading but entirely false, insisting that the appointment followed all legal and procedural requirements laid down in the institution’s establishment law.

Odeyemi warned against any attempt to instigate crisis or breach public peace, saying such acts would be met with stiff consequences.

He said: “The public is advised to disregard the baseless claims. The Council followed due process in appointing the Acting Rector. We will not allow anyone to sow discord or create panic within the institution.”

Describing the protest narrative as unfounded and mischievous, Odeyemi disclosed that an investigation had been launched to unmask the individuals behind what he called a campaign of misinformation.

According to him, culprits would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for appropriate disciplinary action.

He further sounded a note of caution to media houses, urging them to uphold the ethics of journalism by thoroughly verifying information before going to press. “Irresponsible reporting,” he said, “only serves the selfish agenda of those seeking to destabilise the institution.”

In a stern message to staff members, the Council Chairman warned against any conduct that contravenes the terms of their engagement.

He stated that disciplinary action would be meted out to any staff found wanting, regardless of their status or position.

Odeyemi reassured stakeholders, including parents, guardians, students, the academic community and residents of the host community, that the atmosphere at OSCOTECH remains calm and conducive for learning and academic excellence.

He reaffirmed the Council’s backing of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s educational vision and expressed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards while playing its part in the broader development agenda of the state.