By Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo

|

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, (OAU) on Tuesday stated that lectures were still ongoing at the institution despite the strike action declared by a Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU on Monday.

It will be recalled that ASUU, OAU chapter called on its members to go on strike, beginning from Monday, January 31, 2022.

The decision to commence strike was part of the resolutions reached at the ASUU emergency Congress stating that there was no serious commitment on the part of the University to effect payment of Earned Academic Allowance, EAA, to deserving members.

The University Management informed students of the institution, parents and guardians, that overwhelming majority of the academic staff in OAU are not on strike neither do they have the intention of going on any strike action.

The management therefore stressed that in actual fact, lectures are ongoing and students are being attended to by lecturers in their respective departments.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that in view of this, parents, guardians, alumni and friends of the University are assured of uninterrupted academic calendar, as students are advised to go about their normal academic activities because there is no cause for concern or alarm.

He said in addition, the University Management wishes to appreciate majority of the lecturers who have the interest of the students at heart, and have been teaching and attending to students.

Meanwhile, a communique issued after that Congress, signed by Dr. Adeola Egbedokun, the OAU ASUU chairman, further read in part, “Congress noted that there was no serious commitment on the part of the University to effect payment of EAA to deserving members.

“Congress also noted that all political and diplomatic means to resolve the imbroglio has failed.

“Consequently, congress resolved that: Total, Comprehensive and Indefinite Strike should commence immediately ii. The strike must not be called off without a congress resolution to the effect.

“Payment of EAA must be based on ASUU computation. Anything short of this would be unacceptable.

“The Strike Coordinating Committee be set up to monitor the strike. Based on the above and on the strength of the permission granted by ASUU National President, the Chairman, on behalf of the congress declared the commencement of ASUU.”