Ekiti Varsity Directs Students To Resume As ASUU Insists Strike Still Ongoing

By Ayodele Oni

Academic Staff Union of University, Ekiti State University branch (ASUU-EKSU) has advised parents not to allow thier wards return to the university now as directed by the management.

The Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs of the university in a statement on Monday had directed students to resume for academic activities as from 24th May.

The statement, signed by Bode Olofinmuagun, head of the directorate, said “Management of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU), at its meeting held today, 23rd May, 2022, discussed the impact of the ongoing national strike embarked upon by all the four staff unions as it affects the University vis a vis academic and other activities.

“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.

“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, in another statement alleged that the resumption order, originated from the state government and was part of plans to use the students as thugs during the June 18 Governorship election.

The statement, signed by K.K. Arogundade and I.D. Ogunwale, chairman and secretary respectively  claimed that “on 23rd May 2022, where the current strike action was discussed. It is hereby affirmed that the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) members, Ekiti State University branch is in full compliance with the national strike that has just been rolled over for the next twelve weeks from 8th May 2022.

“The instruction handed down by the Vice-Chancellor in a meeting with the committee of Deans, that all academic staff should resume academic activities should be disregarded as it negates our current struggle as a union.

“ASUU EKSU Executives were reliably informed from an impeccable source (name withheld) in EKSG that the visitor to the University has mandated the Vice-Chancellor to re-open the University in the next 24 hours or forfeit his Job.

“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.

“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 lackluster 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 from 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 Ekiti State University 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.”