UI chapter notifies VC, stops examinations, others

The University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of the union yesterday wrote the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, intimating him of its participation in the exercise, which it described as total, comprehensive and indefinite from Sunday, August 13, 2017.

In the mail signed by the chapter president, Dr. Deji Omole, the VC was told that: “We, therefore, write to inform you that the observance of the strike action will include: No teaching, no examination, no supervision, no attendance of the statutory meetings of any kind and other academic matters. In line with the national directive of the union, our members will, henceforth, withdraw their services till the end of the strike.”

With the notice, academic activities and the ongoing post-graduate examinations in some faculties were immediately paralysed. Also those preparing to take theirs were turned back.

Omole later told newsmen that the strike would have full enforcement from tomorrow after briefing the congress.

He said the union had waited for Federal Government to do the needful to no avail.

Academic staff were seen in groups blaming the government for its seeming lacklustre disposition to improving higher education in the country as well as its failure to honour agreements freely entered into with the union.

By noon, most academic activities had been halted.

The Guardian learnt that the academic staff had voted in favour of the exercise during its referendum last week but needed only to communicate the decision yesterday.