Unions disagree over Obaseki’s alleged neglect of AAU, Acting VC’s appointment

Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Congress of University Academics (CONUA) have disagreed over Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged neglectof the school and appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor for the university.

They also disagreed over amendment of the Special Intervention Powers Provisions Law 2021 and the lingering strike of all staff unions including ASUU, SSANU, NAAT and NASU over unpaid salaries, check-off dues and sundry deductions.

In a statement issued in Benin City, ASUU said it was not convinced by the state government’s reason for the unconventional and hasty amendment of the university’s law, which conferred extra-ordinary powers on the governor to ‘invade’ the institution with total disregard for the consequences on the autonomy, traditions, ethos and organs of the university.

The statement issued by its Chairman, Dr. Monday Igbafen and Secretary, Dr. Anthony Coker-Aizebioje, ASUU argued that Governor Obaseki’s reason in the amendment saga was a smokescreen aimed at taking over the university to erode its autonomy and install a Sole Administrator with the Acting Vice Chancellor, as a camouflage.

The union also faulted the way in which the university’s Governing Council was dissolved, adding: “The council as a tenured organ of the university cannot be dissolved by fiat without legal consequences for the AAU and the state.”

But CONUA disagreed with its ASUU counterparts and commended Godwin Obaseki for the choice of the newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benson Osadolor, describing him as a ‘thorough-bred administrator.’

In a statement issued by its chairman, Dr. Iyawe Hanson and its Secretary, Dr. Nwoke Ernest titled: Congress of University Academics (CONUA) AAU Ekpoma Pledge Support And Readiness To Work With The Acting Vice Chancellor, they said the appointment of was timely, as it would stem the crisis in the institution.

“The members of CONUA welcome Osadolor’s appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor of the university,” it added.