The Joint Action Committee (JAC), made up of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologist (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has urged Nigerians to prevail on the owner-state governments to release adequate funds to the university.
The unions, while addressing a press conference in Ibadan on Friday, noted that this was necessary in order not to jeopardise the future of over 30,000 students and staff of the university.
JAC Chairman, Comrade Abimbola Muraina Aleshiloye, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues during the press conference titled “A Cry Before the Sun Rises”, held at SSANU regional office, University of Ibadan, revealed that the unions considered it necessary to intimate the public of the current on-goings in the institution.
He hinted that members of staff were currently being owed 10 months salaries.
Alesinloye, who was flanked by Chairmen of NAAT and NASU, Comrades Wasiu Olusoji Sanusi and Timothy Oladosu Tunwagun respectively, explained that the unions agreed to suspend the almost 16 months protracted strike in the institution, on 23 October, 2017, after series of interventions from well meaning people of Oyo and Osun states, and Nigerians, in general.
He lamented that the current situation may take the institution back to the days of strike.
He added that after the strike was suspended, the new governing council, chaired by Professor Oladapo Afolabi, met with the unions, leading to signing of Memorandum of Action (MoA) which provided for template which eventually kick-started the academic year after the strike.
Alesinloye lamented the breach of the MoA agreed upon by the parties.
According to him, after reviewing the situation, they issued a 14-day ultimatum which expired on Tuesday, July 31, for the management to meet their demands.
He noted that the unions were expected to meet at a congress on Monday August 6 to review the current situation, after which the congress will make a stand.
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