The Academic Staff Union of Universities at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has declared an indefinite strike over the non-payment of lecturers' salaries for May and June.
The Chairman of ASUU-AAUA, Prof. Boluwaji Oshodi, disclosed this in an exclusive telephone interview on Friday, saying the industrial action took effect after members resolved that the prolonged salary delay had become unbearable.
According to him, the union activated the strike in line with ASUU's National Delegates Conference resolution, which mandates branches to embark on industrial action if salaries remain unpaid by the third day of the following month.
"It is very true that we are on strike. The major reason, in fact the only reason, is that we have not been paid our salaries for May and June," Oshodi said.
He lamented that lecturers had endured months of hardship despite exercising restraint after the delay in the payment of their May salaries.
"If we didn't receive May salary, we persevered. We still did not receive June salary, and as of July 10, the salaries had not been paid. Things are not getting easier for our members. We are frustrated," he stated.
The ASUU chairman described the situation as unacceptable, noting that the prevailing economic realities had made it increasingly difficult for lecturers to survive without their wages.
"You know what it means in this economy for someone not to receive salary for two months. It is outrageous and demeaning. We have professors who now have to ride motorcycles to campus because of the hardship. We are tired," he said.
Oshodi appealed to the university management to urgently settle the outstanding salaries, insisting that the welfare of academic staff should not be neglected.
"Our prayer is simple: pay our salaries. A labourer deserves his wages, but we are builders because we build leaders. If you don't pay us, we will continue to suffer. We are only surviving, not living," he said.
He maintained that the union would not suspend the strike until the outstanding salaries were fully paid.
"This time around, we are ready. Until the salaries are paid, the strike will continue," Oshodi declared.
0 Comments