OOU ASUU Distances Itself from NASU, SSANU Protest
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago Iwoye has explained its choice not to take part in the protest on Tuesday. This protest was organised by the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions of the university.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its Chairman, Yunusa Ganiyu, ASUU said that the university management is already addressing the relevant issues honestly and with good intent. Therefore, it believes that dialogue should be preferred over protest to settle any outstanding concerns.
The union highlighted that while all unions have the right to express their grievances, these expressions should be based on facts and the actual situation within the institution. It also acknowledged that the university administration has met its responsibilities to its staff.
The union further explained that the issues involve the cancellation of the two-day-off policy implemented during the subsidy removal period for petroleum products last September, along with the inconsistent payment of pensions for the university’s employees.
The union noted that in response to the ongoing economic challenges and issues from subsidy removal, the university management, after discussing internally with staff unions, started specific measures to help all staff members. A special allowance was approved and given to all personnel to ease the effects of increasing transportation and living costs.
The university lecturers also indicated that the administration has created a plan to address the backlog of pension arrears it took on several years ago, following discussions with all staff unions.
Additionally, it was reported that the university has consistently ensured the payment of contributory pensions by regularly taking employee contributions from their salaries and sending the employer’s share as required by law.
The union also mentioned that a recent university-wide meeting was held with staff regarding pension issues. Updates were shared, and a clear plan was set to handle outstanding pension obligations.
ASUU noted that this renewed commitment shows the administration’s seriousness in addressing pension issues within the limits of available resources.
It added that Ayodeji Agboola’s administration has been open to discussions and consultations with all staff unions about welfare matters, ensuring that decisions are made with a full understanding of current financial limits. The union stated, “These actions are not from a management that ignores its duties but from one that wants to balance financial responsibility with compassion.”
On the two-day-off policy, the union said that the special needs of academic calendars, exam schedules, research supervision, and essential university services make it difficult to implement this policy without disrupting core operations.
ASUU pointed out, “It’s also important to recognise that the State Government supported the recent decision of the University Council to stop the policy in the university system, given the nature of academic operations and the need for institutional stability.”
The union also shared that the university management has put in place alternative welfare measures to ease staff burdens while ensuring academic continuity.
The union asserted that as leaders in learning, academics have both a moral and institutional duty to promote peace, understanding, and balance during times of tension.
Therefore, it urged the university community to support thoughtful dialogue and responsible actions that protect institutional stability.
The union emphasised, “Our push for better welfare is based on our strong commitment to duty, discipline, and academic excellence. When the university system is stable, all staff members benefit from a cooperative and progressive environment.”
Meanwhile, the leaders of both SSANU and NASU during the protest on Tuesday accused ASUU of siding with the university management against the interests of non-academic staff.
Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU, Adedeji Lamina, commented that ASUU’s remarks about the non-academic staff’s dissatisfaction with the university’s leadership “only show that the management has used divide and rule tactics to create divisions among unions, which is wrong.”
Lamina questioned when ASUU became the spokesperson for the university’s management, adding, “This is why we are calling on Gov Dapo Abiodun to form a visitation panel to assess the university and address this unfairness and the various injustices being imposed by the institution’s leadership.”
DOWNLOAD EXAM SCHOLARS 2025 CBT APP ON THE PLAY STORE
DOWNLOAD EXAM SCHOLARS 2025 CBT APP ON THE APP STORE
DOWNLOAD EXAM SCHOLARS 2025 CBT APP ON WINDOWS
Visit EXAMSCHOLARS.COM for more info
