OOU SSANU locks horns with VC over illegal laws in varsity

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State has protested against the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola.

The Chairman of the OOU SSANU, Dr Adedeji Lamina, said the protest was in response to the Vice-Chancellor’s unilateral actions, which the union claims were illegal and detrimental to the university community.

In a statement, Lamina said the VC had tried to change the university’s laws without consultation or approval.

“This is not the first time; this is not the second time. We have written several letters to him, urging him to follow due process, but he insists that nobody can stop him,” Lamina said.

The union leader expressed concern that the Vice-Chancellor’s actions are creating division within the university, particularly between teaching and non-teaching staff.

The latest protest was said to have centered around an upcoming election, which Lamina described as “illegal” due to new clauses introduced by Professor Agboola.

The Vice-Chancellor allegedly mandated that only employees with a degree at the time of their employment could be members of SSANU, excluding those who obtained their degrees after joining the university.

This move, according to Lamina, aims to diminish the influence and presence of non-teaching staff at OOU.

“We have enjoyed peace on this campus for the past 12 years, but since Professor Agboola took over, there has been an atmosphere of coercion and intimidation.

“He has openly stated his intention to reduce non-teaching staff by 50 percent, suggesting those not fitting his criteria should leave for the Ministry of Education.”

The SSANU chairman emphasised that the union’s protest has been  peaceful and within legal bounds.

He added, “We are not a violent union. We will explore all legal avenues, including writing to the Governor and the Secretary to the State Government, to ensure the university laws are upheld.”

Lamina further accused Professor Agboola of using intimidation tactics against staff, including blackmail and suppression of dissent.

“He often sets people up and threatens them if they don’t comply with his demands. Staff are afraid to speak out, but we believe the university belongs to all of us, whether teaching or non-teaching staff.”

The SSANU chairman called for a return to the peaceful coexistence experienced during the tenures of previous Vice-Chancellors, Professors Saburi Adesanya and Ganiyu Olatunde.

“We are tired of this caucus-style management,” Lamina said.

“The university’s laws must be respected, and any changes should go through the proper channels.”

The protest on Monday was aimed at drawing attention to issues in the university community and looked for  intervention from the broader academic community and government authorities.