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Oronsaye’s Report:ASUP Seeks Reversal For Merger Of NARICT, NILEST
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna chapter, has said collapsing the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) and merging it with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) may clash its unique mandates and achievement.
This was contained in a statement issued by the ASUP, NILEST Chapter Chairman, Comrade Joseph Odey Oko appealed to the federal government to reconsider its decision to merge the two institutions, following recommendations from the Oronsaye Committee Report.
The comprehensive 800-page Oronsaye report, which has prompted the government of President Bola Tinubu to pursue the scrapping and merging of 220 out of 541 government agencies, has decided on merger of Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT).
They acknowledged the federal government’s laudable steps to implement the Oronsaye report for better governance efficiency, but also highlighted the unique condition of the institute.
They however, highlights the unique mandates and achievements of NILEST warrant a reconsideration of the proposed merger.
The statement reads in parts:”The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has several mandates, primarily focused on the development and promotion of the leather industry in Nigeria.
“These mandates are aimed at advancing the leather industry in Nigeria, enhancing its competitiveness, and contributing to the country’s economic development.
“The Importance of NILEST in the Leather Sector of the Nigerian Economy
Unemployment has been a significant concern for governments at all levels since both the pre-independence and post-independence eras.
“Various strategies have been devised and implemented through projects, policies, and programs to address the rising unemployment rates.
“NILEST, as a training institute focused on innovation and invention, plays a crucial role in providing education for self-reliance, as outlined in its mandate.
“The institute trains both graduate and non-graduate youths, literates and illiterates alike, in fields such as footwear, leather goods, and polymer technology. This training aims to ensure that the youth can become self-reliant after completing their education, rather than relying on securing a government job.”
They also highlights the NARICT conducts research in various areas of chemical technology which includes: “Researching and developing new chemical processes for the production of industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
“Materials Science: Studying the properties and applications of different materials, including polymers, ceramics, and composites, and developing new materials with specific properties.
“Environmental Protection: Developing technologies for the treatment and recycling of industrial waste and pollutants to minimize environmental impact.”
They also emphasis the divergent focuses of the two institutions as enumerated above, saying there is no way that the two agencies if merged will produce any meaningful outputs rather than chaotic collaboration and antagonistic relationships.
“We, the members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), NILEST Chapter, therefore strongly oppose the proposed merger of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT).
“This merger, if implemented, would combine an academic institution specialized in training and research in leather and leather products technology with a core research institute focused on chemical technology. We believe that such a merger would have several negative effects.
“We believe that the proposed merger of NILEST and NARICT is not in the best interests of either institution or the stakeholders involved. We urge Mr. President, His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities involved in the implementation of the to reconsider this proposal and allow both institutions to continue their valuable work independently,” they said.
A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.
President Bola Tinubu has revealed the political calculus behind his decision to approve the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
He disclosed that he first asked FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whether the move would give his party an electoral advantage in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage by FCT residents at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu offered an unusually candid account of how the major fiscal reform came about—and the political considerations that shaped it.
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA, so that I can do more work, and I achieve more,’” the President recounted.
According to Tinubu, before granting the request, he challenged Wike to explain how the reform would benefit not just governance but also his political interests.
“Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’ And he presented it. And I threw in my own political guide. I said, ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party to win the election in FCT?’”
The President, referencing the political dynamic between Wike—a member of the opposition—and himself, continued: “I said, ‘I know where you are coming from—your own party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’”
President Tinubu also declared that hunger is reducing, security is improving, and Nigeria is beginning to feel the results of his administration’s reforms.
Tinubu attributed part of the visible progress in the FCT to the efforts of Minister Wike.
The President, who expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan, said Nigerians are starting to experience relief across several sectors.
“We are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. The hunger is coming down. Food prices lowering. We are able to go to the market and do business,” he said.
While addressing the diverse delegation from the FCT, Tinubu praised the spirit of discipline, prayer, and compassion exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan.
He urged Nigerians to carry those values into everyday life, especially in caring for the less privileged.
“We must continue to share. We must remember the orphanages, the widows, the have-nots—believing that we can share both in joy and in times of need,” he said.
Turning his attention to developments within the FCT, President Tinubu applauded Wike, for bringing progressive ideas and executing key projects.
He cited the revival of abandoned infrastructure, the rehabilitation of health centers and schools, and the modernization of public services.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouth to even celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you have given,” Tinubu told Wike. “The health facilities are being upgraded, our teachers and schools are being rehabilitated. Thank you, Wike.”
He also commended Wike’s performance as a southerner effectively managing affairs in the heart of northern Nigeria.
“That is a very good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity,” the President noted.
In his remarks, Wike congratulated the President and the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the 30-day fast, describing the holy month as a season that instills values of sacrifice, self-discipline, compassion, and unity—values he said align with the President’s leadership style.
“This visit marks a historic moment,” Wike noted. “It is the first time residents of the FCT have had the opportunity to extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are truly delighted to be here.”
Highlighting the developmental strides achieved under Tinubu’s administration, Wike praised the President’s support in enabling key institutional reforms in the FCT.
He cited the FCTA’s exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the establishment of new Mandate Secretariats for Women and Youths, and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries as landmark steps that have strengthened governance and service delivery in the territory.
“None of these significant strides would have been possible without your commitment to the well-being of the FCT and its residents,” Wike said.
He further affirmed the FCT Administration’s unwavering loyalty to the Tinubu-led government and reiterated its full commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the delegation that accompanied him to the Villa represented the rich diversity of the FCT—spanning religious, political, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, civil servants, members of the media, and everyday residents.
“Despite our different backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration. This unity demonstrates our collective commitment to national progress under your visionary leadership,” the Minister added.
Wike also disclosed that the FCT is preparing an array of impactful projects for commissioning as President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office approaches.
These projects, he said, are focused on infrastructure development, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for FCT residents.
“We still recall with gratitude your physical presence at five of the nine projects commissioned during your first anniversary. We now look forward to hosting Your Excellency again to witness firsthand the tangible progress made over the past 12 months,” Wike said.
Concluding his address, the FCT Minister offered prayers for the President, the First Lady, and the entire First Family, wishing them good health, wisdom, and divine guidance.
“May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and continued progress to our nation,” he said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”