NB247
The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Ekiti State University(EKSU) chapter, has rejected the proposed resumption of academic activities in the institution as by the management of the university.
The chapter’s Chairman, Kayode Arogundade, said his members would continue to comply with the ongoing strike by the union, urging students to disregard the resumption earlier announced by the management.
The EKSU Management at its meeting held of 23rd May, 2022, ordered the reopening of the university for academic activities beginning from May 24.
In a statement signed by the university’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Bode Olofinmuagun, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Eddy Olanipekun, said it took the decision, taking into cognisance the pains being experienced by students and parents owing to the protracted strike.
“The Management noted the pains being experienced by students and parents as a result of the on-going protracted industrial action. It noted further that one academic session (2021/2022) of admission is still outstanding, while the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic session is yet to be concluded,” it said.
“Moreover, the admission process for the 2022/2023 academic session will commence soonest.
“Consequently, in the interest of the students, parents, guardians and indeed the society at large as well as the survival of the university, Management decided to reopen the institution for normal academic activities with effect from Tuesday, 24th May, 2022.”
But ASUU Chairman , in a statement made available to journalists, in Ado, on Tuesday, clarified that his members have not backed out of the national strike that has just been rolled over for the next twelve weeks from 8th May 2022.
Mr Arogundade stated that the instruction handed down by the VC and committee of Deans, that all academic staff should resume should be disregarded, saying it negates the current struggle as a union.
“ASUU EKSU wishes to use the medium to announce to the general public that mandating the re-opening of the University is purely political and EKSG is not ready to attend to the demand of the University,” ASUU statement countered.
“Also, it is worth noting that ASUU-EKSU Executives Members have been receiving threats from various government agents and the University management.
“In view of this, the general public is hereby notified and put on alert to the threats, that if any harm is inflicted on any member of the ASUU-EKSU Executives, the Ekiti State government and University management should be held responsible.
“Parents are to monitor the movement of their wards who are the main target to be used as thugs in the coming election hence the resumption saga.
“One wonders why the lacklustre administration in Ekiti State on its way to Golgotha is now keen on school resumption only to put the life of our students at risk.
“The students themselves should be aware of the insincerity of those parading themselves as their leaders whose only interest is their temporary benefit , whichever government is in power.
“We are equally aware of the antics of insignificant lecturers playing political harlotry with the destiny of the majority of our members. We are watching and they shall be brought to book soonest.
“All academic staff of EKSU are, therefore, directed to stay off their duty post as the current strike action is comprehensive and total. Members are to be on the lookout for further directives”.