Lecturers demand arrears, quick implementation of agreement

Lecturers, under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, yesterday, said that their ongoing strike would not be suspended until the state government begins implementing the Federal Government-ASUU agreement and pays outstanding arrears dating back to January.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had a few days ago approved a 60 per cent increase in monthly subvention to state-owned tertiary institutions and also gave the green light for the implementation of the Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

However, the union maintained that the governor’s announcement, though commendable, does not automatically translate to an end to the industrial action, insisting that concrete financial steps must be taken before lecturers resume duty.

Chairman of ASUU, AAUA branch, Prof. Boluwaji Oshodi, while speaking on the development, said that the union’s position was guided by a directive from the national body.

The ASUU-AAUA chairman further said that the mandate from the national body required that implementation of the agreement should commence immediately, while arrears owed to workers from January should also be paid.

He stressed that the union’s interpretation of the word “immediate” in the government’s announcement was that the implementation must cover outstanding obligations dating back to the beginning of the year.

Oshodi also disclosed that some lecturers had left AAUA for other institutions, attributing the development to personal decisions driven by dissatisfaction with welfare and working conditions.

“Leaving the system is a personal decision. So, if some lecturers feel they are not getting the level of satisfaction they deserve in terms of welfare and other benefits, they can choose to move to another system.

“To some extent, that is true, because I know about three or four people who have moved to different universities,” he said.

MEANWHILE, Ondo State Government has reiterated its readiness to partner relevant organisations to strengthen the reach and effectiveness of health-related messages with a view to achieving an effective healthcare delivery system in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, stated this in his office while playing host to Larva Source Management Advocacy Team, led by Ralph Onyilo from the Federal Ministry of Health.

Ajanaku, who commended the team members for their interest in supporting efforts aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of the people, emphasised the importance of strategic communication and public enlightenment in changing attitudes and encouraging citizens to adopt preventive measures against malaria and other diseases.

Speaking earlier, Onyilo sought the support and collaboration of the state government in strengthening public awareness and education on malaria prevention and control.

He also stressed the need for sustainable public enlightenment on malaria, particularly through effective information dissemination capable of reaching communities and vulnerable groups, adding that increased awareness, early intervention and preventive measures remain critical to reducing the impact of malaria on families and communities.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lanre Akarakiri, underscored the importance of proper coordination, credible information and sustained grassroots sensitisation in achieving the objectives of the campaign.