OOU ASUU Cuts Ties with NASU as SSANU Demonstrates

The Academic Staff Union of Universities at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, has clarified the reason for its absence from the demonstration organized on Tuesday by the Joint Action Committee of Senior Staff from Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Related Institutions within the university.

The ASUU, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chairman, Yunusa Ganiyu, stated that the university's administration was addressing the matters at hand with genuine commitment and positive intentions, and thus, instead of staging demonstrations, the choice of engaging in dialogue should be considered to resolve any remaining ambiguities.

The union mentioned that although each union has the right to voice concerns, these statements must, nevertheless, be grounded in facts and institutional circumstances. However, it should also be recognized that the university administration has not ignored its responsibilities toward employees.

The union stated that the key issues involve the cancellation of the two-day off policy that was implemented during the peak of the subsidy removal from petroleum products, which occurred last year in September, as well as the improper payment of pensions for the university's staff.

The union stated, "In light of the ongoing economic difficulties and the suffering resulting from the elimination of subsidies, the university administration, after discussing with staff unions internally, introduced specific measures to assist all groups of employees:"

A unique grant was authorized and distributed to all employees to mitigate the impact of increasing transportation and living expenses

University instructors also mentioned that the administration has established procedures for resolving the pension arrears backlog it encountered several years ago, after thorough discussions with all staff unions.

Furthermore, it was reported that the university consistently paid into the pension scheme by regularly withholding employees' contributions and submitting the institution's employer portion in accordance with legal requirements.

It also mentioned that, in recent times, a university-wide gathering took place with employees regarding pension issues, during which updates were shared, and a definitive plan was outlined for settling unpaid pension liabilities.

This renewed pledge, ASUU stated, highlights the Administration's dedication to tackling pension issues within the constraints of available resources.

It further stated that the administration of Ayodeji Agboola has stayed receptive to discussions and consultations with all staff unions regarding welfare matters, making sure that decisions are made with a complete awareness of current financial limitations, and noted that "these are not the behaviors of a detached leadership but of one endeavoring to balance financial responsibility with compassion."

Under the two-day off policy, the union mentioned that the unique requirements of academic schedules, exams, research guidance, and vital university services make it difficult to apply the policy entirely without affecting key operations.

ASUU stated, "It is also worth noting that the State Government backed the University Council's recent decision to stop the policy within the university system, taking into account the characteristics of academic activities and the requirement for institutional stability."

It revealed additionally that the university administration has also implemented other compensatory welfare initiatives to alleviate the pressure on employees without affecting academic operations.

The union mentioned that, as intellectual leaders, academics bear a moral and institutional responsibility to foster peace, mutual understanding, and equilibrium during periods of conflict.

As a result, it called on the university community to promote thoughtful discussion and ethical behavior that ensure the institution's stability.

The union stated, "Our ability to push for improved working conditions stems from our steadfast dedication to responsibility, order, and scholarly achievement. When the university remains stable, all staff members gain from the environment of teamwork and advancement."

In the meantime, the leadership of both SSANU and NASU during the demonstration on Tuesday criticized ASUU for favoring the university administration over the concerns of non-academic workers.

The head of the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU, Adedeji Lamina, stated that ASUU's statement regarding the non-academics' expression of frustration over the university's leadership's insensitivity "demonstrates that the management has divided the unions through a divide-and-rule strategy, which is incorrect."

Lamina questioned when ASUU took on the role of representing the university's administration, stating, "That is why we are urging Gov Dapo Abiodun to establish a visiting committee to inspect the university and resolve this imbalance and other injustices being carried out by the institution's leadership."

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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