NYV Urges Tinubu to revoke Agundi’s appointment as NPC DG

*Says appointment undermines Centre’s integrity

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

The National Youth Vanguard, NYC, has strongly called upon President Bola Tinubu to urgently reconsider and retract the appointment of Baffa Agundi as the new Director-General of the National Productivity Center (NPC).

This appeal, which was made in a statement on Sunday by the group’s National President, Olawale Abdulrahman, underscored the belief that President Tinubu was misled in making this critical decision.

The NYV expressed deep concern about the implications of Agundi’s appointment for the future of the NPC because it (the NPC) has a longstanding tradition of promoting individuals from within its ranks, based on merit, professional qualifications, and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission.

The NYC, in the statement,

explained that it’s investigations show that the current DG, Dr. Raji Mustapha, exemplifies this tradition, as he joined the NPC as an assistant productivity officer three decades ago and, through dedication, expertise, and a profound commitment to the center’s goals, ascended to the role of DG in May 2023, following the completion of his predecessor’s term.

According to yheNYV, ‘therefore, appointing someone with a political background, such as Baffa Agundi, who lacks the necessary professional experience and understanding of productivity management, significantly undermines the integrity and effectiveness of the NPC.

“As the central institution responsible for advancing productivity across both private and public sectors in Nigeria, the NPC requires leadership that is deeply rooted in professional experience rather than political connections.

“We in NYV join other concerned Nigerians to express strong reservations about the political nature of Agundi’s appointment.

“It is obviously a significant departure from the NPC’s established practice of promoting professionals from within its own ranks.

“Placing a politically connected individual at the helm of the NPC could jeopardize the center’s effectiveness, its mission, and its ability to drive national productivity.

“Most disturbing is Baffa Agundi’s qualifications and background. An investigation by our team shows that he does not possess the necessary educational credentials”, it said.

Continuing, it said, “The NYV is aware that Agundi’s primary qualification is his political connection, particularly his association with former Kano State Governor and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, where he reportedly served as an enforcer”.

The group questioned how Agundi’s appointment managed to bypass the scrutiny of key officials, including the Department of State Security Service, the Chief of Staff, and the Private Secretary to the President.

It added, “More disturbing is how his curriculum vitae (CV) was padded with false information. What we found out was that Agundi has never held any judicial office or even a clerical position. His highest role was serving as the chief executive of the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) after an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the House of Assembly.

“The National Youth Vanguard warns that Agundi’s lack of qualifications and professional background could severely impair the NPC’s operations and its mission to enhance productivity in Nigeria.

“The NYV asserts that Dr. Raji Mustapha, the current DG, is highly qualified for the position. His three-decade-long career at the NPC, during which he rose from the position of an assistant productivity officer to that of Director General, is a testament to his expertise, dedication, and deep understanding of the organization’s mission.

“The National Youth Vanguard believes that Dr. Mustapha’s leadership is crucial for maintaining the professional standards and effectiveness of the NPC, urging President Tinubu to act swiftly to correct this erroneous appointment”, said

The NYV pointed out that allowing Dr. Raji Mustapha to continue in his role as DG is essential for preserving the professional integrity of the NPC and ensuring that its leadership is comprised of individuals with the necessary qualifications and experience. President Tinubu should prioritize the organization’s professional ethos over political patronage, ensuring that the NPC remains focused on its core mission of advancing productivity in Nigeria.

“The National Youth Vanguard calls on President Tinubu to reconsider and reverse the appointment of Baffa Agundi as the DG of the NPC, emphasizing the importance of preserving the professional ethos of the NPC and ensuring that its leadership is comprised of individuals with the necessary qualifications and experience.

“The NYV remains hopeful that the President will take prompt action to uphold the standards and objectives of the National Productivity Center”, it said