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.
