EKSU Tackles ASUU Over Remarks By Leadership

By Ayodele Oni

Management of the Ekiti State University, (EKSU) Ado Ekiti has said the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Emmanuel Osodeke is bereft of ideas going by his remarks against some state universities which have resumed academic activities despite the ongoing strike.

Osodeke had during an interview on Arise TV mentioned that some state-owned universities in Nigeria are quacks and irrelevant.

In the same press interview with Dr. Reuben Abati, Osodeke listed some first generation universities as the ones that matter most in the ongoing struggle by ASUU.

Reacting to this development, Management of EKSU said the statement was denigrating.

According to a statement  by the Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bode Olofinmuagun, such derogatory remark about some universities, coming from the National President of ASUU is unfortunate, reckless and unwarranted.

“The statement reads:”Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti is currently the 14th best university in Nigeria out of about 200 Federal State and  Private universities.

“Apart from the above, EKSU has nearly all its academic programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional regulatory bodies.

“The university is proud to have many top rated globally recognized academics, and its alumni are making waves both Nationally and Internationally.

“By the grace of God,  Mr. Biodun Oyebanji,  the Governor-elect of Ekiti State is an alumnus and a former lecturer in the University.

“Even in ASUU, a number of staff of our university had served and still serving in various capacities at zonal and national levels including but not limited to ProfAfolabi Popoola, Dr. Sikiru Eniola, ProfEddy Olanipekun, Ayan Adeleke and Olu-Olu Olufayo.

“Therefore, categorizing EKSU as among the quack and irrelevant universities is a testimony to the fact that the ASUU President is probably uninformed or is bereft of ideas.

“This arrant nonsense coming from  Comrade Osodeke is totally unacceptable and condemnable.”

The Management called on  Osodeke to toe the path of honour by retracting the provocative remark and tender an unreserved apology without further delay.