Our Reporter
The seeming crises rocking Michael Imodu National Institute of Labour Studies takes a new turn as the Management of the Institute, yesterday issued a fresh statement debunking claims by the former Director-General of the institute Mr Issa Aremu that he has been re-appointed by the Presidency for a second term running in office.
According to the press statement released yesterday in Ilorin by the MINILS Management through the Head of the Public Relations Office Mrs Racheal Solomon, the claim by Aremu smacked of usual official correspondence from the parent ministry and should therefore be taken with a pinch of salt.
“The Management of MINILS has noted with concern a series of misleading claims made in the media by the former Director-General, Mr. Issa Aremu, regarding the state of affairs at the Institute and his purported reappointment. In light of these developments, we feel compelled to set the record straight in the interest of transparency and public awareness,” said the statement.
For the MINIL’s Management, “we categorically state that Mr. Aremu’s assertions are false, baseless, and intentionally misleading. These claims appear to be a deliberate attempt to damage the image and integrity of the Institute and its dedicated workforce.
“Mr. Aremu duly completed his statutory four-year tenure on 17th May 2025 and handed over, albeit reluctantly, to the most senior Director in accordance with public service regulations. Contrary to these regulations, Mr. Aremu publicly declared he was merely “stepping aside” and has since been presenting himself as the re-appointed Director-General. This is entirely inaccurate.”
Solomon disclosed in her statement that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment—under whose purview the Institute operates—has not communicated any formal re-appointment or new leadership directive to the Institute.
She added that despite Aremu’s alleged continued media appearances “and assertions of a phantom reappointment, we remain confident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his steadfast commitment to the rule of law and due process, will act in accordance with the provisions of the National Institute for Labour Studies Act regarding the appointment of the Director/Chief Executive Officer.
“Furthermore, Mr. Aremu’s recent allegations—ranging from claims of religiously motivated agitations to criticisms of his performance, absenteeism, and workplace conduct—are entirely fictitious and intended to deflect attention from legitimate concerns about his leadership.
“These narratives are a desperate bid to garner public sympathy and obscure the reality of his tenure, which was marred by incompetence, authoritarianism, and disregard for institutional norms.Despite the challenges imposed by outdated facilities, insufficient resources, and lack of motivation during Mr. Aremu’s administration, MINILS has exceeded the Federal Government’s training targets.”
Solomon noted that the achievement stood as a testament to the resilience, professionalism, and commitment of the workforce of the institution who have continued to uphold the mandate of the institute.
She added, “we urge the general public to disregard these fabrications in their entirety and seek information only from official and verifiable sources. Additionally, we caution all stakeholders against engaging in any financial transactions or commitments with Mr. Aremu under the pretext of representing the Institute.
“The Management will not be held responsible for any such dealings.MINILS remains steadfast in its mission to become a regional centre of excellence in labour studies and a globally renowned labour institution. Signed: Management.”