The management of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin in Kwara State has refuted claims made by the former Director-General of the Institute, Mr Issa Aremu, that the Presidency has reappointed him for a second term.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday by the Head of the Public Relations Office, Mrs Racheal Solomon, the Institute described Aremu’s assertion as misleading and lacking any official backing from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, under which the Institute operates.
“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,” the statement said.
The Institute stated that Aremu completed his four-year tenure on 17 May 2025 and handed over, though reluctantly, to the most senior Director, in line with public service regulations.
“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,” the statement read.
It added: “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.”
According to Solomon, there has been no official communication from the Ministry confirming any reappointment or a directive concerning new leadership.
“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,” she stated.
The statement also addressed recent allegations made by Aremu, dismissing them as fabrications.
“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,” it said.
Solomon further noted that under difficult circumstances, including outdated infrastructure and limited resources, the Institute had exceeded the Federal Government’s training targets during Aremu’s administration, crediting the achievement to the resilience and commitment of the staff.
“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,” she said.
The statement concluded with a reassurance of MINILS’s continued commitment to its mandate.
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