Students Resumption, Convocation, Put On Hold As AAUA Lecturers’ Strike Continues

By Ayodele Oni

Lecturers at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State are on a collision course with the authorities following months of unpaid salaries.

The academic staff, under the umbrella of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have warned that unless their outstanding salaries and arrears are cleared, both the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation ceremony of the institution will be disrupted.

The lecturers had already embarked on an indefinite strike last month over the non-payment of their entitlements, a development that has crippled academic and social activities on the university campus.

Chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi lamented what he described as the insensitivity of the state government to the plight of the lecturers. According to him, members of the union have been stretched to the limit.

“We have been patient and tolerant for too long, but this time, we won’t be again. Our members have been pushed to the wall, and we see no indication that the state government is willing to rectify the situation.”

Oshodi disclosed that several efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to seek an amicable resolution has been frustrated, and this further heighten the frustration of the union members

Reacting however, the state government denied abandoning the institution.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, insisted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has been alive to its responsibilities to all state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA

Ajibefun, a former vice Chancellor of the University, explained that the government has consistently released monthly subventions without delay and is engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the lingering dispute.

“The government is actively working to address the issues at hand. Dialogue is ongoing, and we are confident that the matter will soon be resolved,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the prolonged strike has taken a toll on the university community, with academic calendars disrupted and students left stranded.

Parents and stakeholders have expressed concerns that the impasse, if not urgently resolved, could further worsen the already fragile state of tertiary education in the country.