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Workbond International Network (WIN) and the United Action for Democracy (UAD) have called on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to set up a visitation panel on the lingering crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU).
The Group’s Executive Director, Omotaje Olawale, noted that the demand is the only panacea to ensuring a lasting peace in the institution.
He urged the governor not to allow the university wallow in crisis regardless of façade of peace and orderliness presented by the management.
He added that the visitation panel that is recognised by the statue of the university would be able to fully unravel the crisis and proffer enduring solutions.
Olawale urged the governor to populate the panel with competent and credible individuals whose pedigree would be devoid of politics and compromise.
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“Allowing the prevailing situation in LASU to persist is tantamount to setting academic excellence and turning the University community into an enclave where fear and intimidation will become the order of the day and in utter emasculation of the cherished culture of academic freedom,” he said.
To address the crisis, Olawale also called for restoration and respect for due process in the institution, review of questionable disciplinary procedures, recall of victimised lecturers and end to incessant unwarranted queries and alleged intimidation of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution.
He also called for payment of outstanding allowances due to academic staff, adding that there should be full and immediate restoration of status of check-off authorisation to LASU-ASU.
He noted that harmonious condition is required for the growth of the University to enable it deliver on the important mandate of illuminating the society through broadening of knowledge towards contributing to the development of the country.
UAD General Secretary, Kunle Ajayi said the visitation panel to be set up by the governor should be democratised saying educational institutions should be run democratically.
He added that the panel should comprise students, workers in the University, union members and others.
