Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have declared an indefinite strike to protest the non-payment of their salaries and arrears. The industrial action, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), commenced after the union’s congress held on August 21.
In a letter to the university authorities, signed by the branch chairperson, Boluwaji Oshodi, and secretary, Olusegun Taiwo, the lecturers said:
“This is in line with the resolution taken at the congress on August 21, over the non-payment of our salaries.
Sir, by this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from academic activities in the university until our salaries and arrears are paid.”
Academic Activities Grounded
The strike has paralysed both academic and non-academic activities on campus, with students expressing fears over the likely disruption of their academic calendar.
Oshodi explained that the lecturers had exhausted all appeals before resorting to strike action.
“We have written a series of letters to the management. We also wrote several letters to the state government. Before now, we have given a series of warnings, and we have done virtually everything possible to ensure our salaries and arrears are paid.
But to be sincere, the major problem we are facing is funding. The state government is not funding the university. As I speak now, we are being owed two months’ salaries (July and August). This is aside several arrears, promotion arrears, excess workload among others running into billions. The state government is not forthcoming. So, we have made up our minds until everything is addressed, we’re not going back.”
Government Denies Neglect
Efforts to contact the university spokesperson, Victor Akinpelumi, proved unsuccessful as calls were not answered and text messages went undelivered.
Reacting, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims of abandonment by the state government. He said:
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has continued to release monthly subventions to all state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA.”
The commissioner added that steps were being taken to engage the lecturers with a view to resolving the crisis.