Workers at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Tuesday commenced a seven-day peaceful protest over what they described as alleged injustice by the institution’s governing council.
The protest was organised under the platform of the Joint Action Congress, a coalition of staff unions in the university, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and the National Association of Academic Technologists.
Members of the unions gathered in large numbers at the university’s main gate, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Council led by Adesomoju is illegal,” “Council, for peace to reign, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” and “Don’t deny our members their promotions.”
Other placards read, “Council Chairman must go, bye-bye Adesomoju.”
Addressing the protesters, Chairman of the JAC, Bobola Bamigbola, said the unions had resolved to withdraw their services for seven working days in protest against the alleged actions of the governing council.
He stated that the demonstration would continue until the institution’s management and the Ondo State Government intervened and addressed the grievances raised by the unions.
Bamigbola accused the Chairman of the Governing Council, Akinbo Adesomoju, of abuse of office and high-handedness, alleging that such actions were detrimental to the development of the institution.
According to him, two members of staff who reportedly passed their promotion examinations were denied promotion by the council.
He also claimed that Adesomoju’s continued stay in office contravened the institution’s establishing gazette, which, he said, limits the council chairman to two terms.
“The gazette clearly states that a council chairman must not exceed two terms, but he is currently occupying the position for a third term,” Bamigbola said.
He added that the unions would sustain the protest and consider further lawful actions if their demands were not met.
“If he refuses to step down, the union will explore other lawful options, including legal action,” he said.
However, Adesomoju, while responding in a telephone interview, dismissed the allegations, insisting that due process was followed in matters relating to staff promotion.
According to him, decisions on promotion are taken collectively by the governing council in line with the institution’s regulations.
“I am not the council; I am only the chairman. Decisions in the institution are taken by the entire governing council, not by me alone,” he said.
He added that while the unions have the right to protest, promotions in the university must strictly follow established guidelines.
Adesomoju was appointed Pro-Chancellor and pioneer Chairman of the Governing Council of OAUSTECH on March 6, 2008.
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