• Kick against unpaid workers’ salaries, unresolved union grievances
• Demand immediate resolution of lingering industrial crisis
• SSANU, ASUU react as Osun Assembly extends UNIOSUN VC’s tenure

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, yesterday, paralysed vehicular movement by barricading major roads and the institution’s main gate while protesting against the ongoing industrial action that has kept them away from academic activities for 68 days.

The protesting students demanded the immediate resolution of the crisis and the reopening of the university due to the institution’s failure to pay salaries and outstanding allowances.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and other unions within the institution had embarked on a strike over a combination of unmet financial obligations and failed promises by the state government, primarily revolving around the non-implementation of a 2025 Federal Government agreement and unpaid staff salaries.

The Student Union Government (SUG) President, Folagbade Greatness Ayoola, while addressing newsmen at the protest ground, said: “We cannot keep silent because we are really facing challenges in our university. Imagine students having to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries are not being paid.”

IN another development, the seeming furore generated over the tenure extension of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Adebooye, by Governor Ademola Adeleke, was yesterday laid to rest as the state legislature passed an amendment Act that officially approved the governor’s action.

But reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), UNIOSUN branch, John Adebayo, said that, in Adeleke’s view as the Visitor of the university, “our VC had performed very well, and we all know that.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIOSUN branch, Dr Wende Olaosebikan, said that Adeboye’s tenure extension was discussed at the union’s congress on Tuesday, saying:

“We studied critically the UNIOSUN Establishment Law, which did not give room for extension of tenure for the vice-chancellor. The law allows for an extension of one year for the university’s librarian, bursar, and registrar.

“That privilege excludes that of the vice-chancellor.