FUOYE Management and SSANU Clash Over Union Membership and Strike Action

The management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State, Nigeria, has responded to allegations made by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) regarding the application of NASU members to join SSANU and the subsequent deduction of their membership dues.

The university management has denied obstructing the process and causing any form of intimidation or harassment.

The controversy arose after the SSANU Chairman of Ekiti State University, Mr. Temidayo Azeez Aguda, claimed in a radio program that the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Abayomi Fasina, had created obstacles to the application process and that security agents had threatened the SSANU Branch Chairman of FUOYE on the VC’s orders.

The National President of SSANU and the Vice President (Western Zone) had reportedly instructed members from Ekiti and Ondo State to occupy FUOYE immediately, raising concerns about potential disruption of peace in the region.

In a press conference on Tuesday, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of FUOYE, Prof. Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, represented the Vice Chancellor and described the claims as “inaccurate, baseless, and inflammatory.”

He clarified that the process of membership in SSANU must follow due process and that the university cannot compel members to join the Union or vice versa.

He also denied any harassment or intimidation of the SSANU Branch Chairman, stating that the VC was not in Ekiti State on the day of the alleged incident.

In response to the recent 7-day strike called by the National body of SSANU and NASU to demand payment of withheld 2022 salaries from the Federal Government, FUOYE Management expressed their support for the cause but emphasized that they do not have the authority to pay the outstanding salaries.

They called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to approve the payment of the four months’ salary in 2022.

The strike, which commenced on Monday, 18th March, 2024, was observed in many Nigerian universities but not in the other two universities in Ekiti State.

The FUOYE Management condemned the locking of their gate by SSANU and NASU members, calling it an act of war against the institution.

They urged the government to resolve the issue and ensure a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute.