UTech lecturers protest pending deputy principal appointment

LectureRs at the University of Technology (UTech) say they are fed up with the institution's management of key issues, including the appointment of some of the university's top brass.

At a hastily called meeting yesterday at the university's Papine campus, the lecturers, including some faculty deans, said they are not in agreement with the selection of Professor Gossett Oliver to the office of deputy principal.

They say, in an effort to voice their displeasure with the decision, they will be showing up at today's installation ceremony for the pro-chancellor, Vivian Crawford, wearing full black and will be taking necessary action onwards.

NOT GIVEN A VOICE

Head of the UTech Academic Staff Union (UTASU), Olobusola Akinladejo, told the gathering that despite one member from the association sitting on the university's council, they did not have any input in the selection process.

The union also took issue with the university's advertisement for the post of deputy president, as it excluded members from most faculties at the university from applying.

They argued that the advertisement explicitly called for someone with "core academic grounding, strengths in the area(s) of science, technology, engineering and maths".

They said this eliminated members from faculties such as law, education, and liberal studies.

However, Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech, told The Gleaner that the selection process is still ongoing for the post of deputy president. He said Oliver is simply acting in the position.

Addressing the academic staff's dissent, Morrison said, "Only a vocal few is a part of it. The large majority is not a part of this nonsense."

During yesterday's UTASU meeting, the lecturers also passed a resolution to boycott the university council, noting that this body, which is largely responsible for appointments and promotions, has now become ineffective.