Labour unions at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, have debunked recent negative narratives surrounding the institute and its workforce, insisting that the premier labour training institution remains strong, resilient and professionally grounded despite past leadership disruptions.
In a joint address to members of NASU, SSAUTHRAI and ASURI on Monday, May 26, 2025, union leaders said the institute had suffered setbacks under experimental leadership, but had since been repositioned for excellence. They stressed that recent attempts to discredit the Institute and its staff were orchestrated by external interests resisting accountability and professionalism.
“The Institute has been rescued from plundering. It needed to be reclaimed, refocused, and re-ploughed for maximum productivity in line with its founding purpose,” the union leaders stated in the communique signed by Ruth I. Ejechi (ASURI), Idris Abdulmajeed (SSAUTHRAI), and Joel Afolayan (NASU).
According to them, MINILS — the only institute of its kind in West Africa — has maintained its mandate to promote excellence in labour education through training, research and collaboration for over four decades despite limited resources.
They described the workforce as competent and innovative, noting that all departments are staffed with professionals capable of delivering on the institute’s mandate with the right support.
While acknowledging that the fallout with the immediate past Director-General was due to his inability to follow public service rules and hierarchy, the unions said internal conflict resolution mechanisms were duly activated in line with public service ethics taught by the Institute itself.
“Our regard for hierarchy and order was principally responsible for the fallout. Public service is not meant for those with no regard for professionalism, impartiality, or inclusiveness,” they said.
The unions appealed to stakeholders, including the media, labour organisations, security agencies and the host community, to disregard rumours and continue to support MINILS in its quest for excellence.
“We urge our members to return to their duty posts and await further directives. Your support so far is highly commendable and sincerely encouraging,” the leaders concluded.
They also assured that their national union headquarters are closely monitoring developments at MINILS for appropriate action if necessary.
