30th May,2025
The Management of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, has discredited recent claims by former Director-General Issa Aremu, describing them as misleading and a deliberate attempt to confuse the public.
Reacting to media reports suggesting that Aremu had been reappointed, the Institute clarified that the former DG officially completed his statutory four-year tenure on May 17, 2025, and had since handed over to the most senior director as stipulated by public service regulations.
“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,” the Institute stated in a release signed by its Management.
According to MINILS, Aremu’s claim of “stepping aside” and his continued public appearances portraying himself as reappointed DG contradict official protocol and have no backing from the supervising ministry.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, under whose purview this Institute operates, has not communicated any reappointment or new directive to us. Mr. Aremu’s public claims of a phantom reappointment are entirely inaccurate,” the statement added.
The Institute further dismissed Aremu’s accusations of religious bias, staff agitation, and poor workplace conditions as a diversion from what it described as the reality of his controversial 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 infrastructure challenges during his administration, MINILS noted that the staff succeeded in exceeding the Federal Government’s training targets, crediting this progress to the commitment and professionalism of its workforce.
The Institute also warned the public against conducting any business with Aremu in the name of MINILS, noting that such actions would be considered fraudulent.
“Any financial transaction or commitment made with Mr. Aremu under the pretext of representing the Institute is at the risk of the individual involved. The Institute will not be held accountable for such dealings,” it cautioned.
MINILS reaffirmed its commitment to due process and expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the rule of law in matters relating to appointments within the Institute.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Institute’s mandate to become a regional hub for labour studies and uphold its reputation as a centre of excellence.
