FUOYE management responds to SSANU allegations, strike action

The Management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, FUOYE, has debunked claims of opposing the applications of members of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to join Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and obstructing the deduction of the said new members dues from their salary.

During the press conference, FUOYE’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, vehemently refuted SSANU’s claims of hindering NASU members from joining SSANU and obstructing the deduction of dues from their salary. The allegations, characterized as baseless and inflammatory, were addressed in detail.

The Deputy VC clarified the membership process for SSANU, emphasizing that it must adhere to due process. While membership is voluntary, SSANU cannot compel non-members to adhere to their directives. Contrary to SSANU’s allegations, the Deputy VC clarified that there was no directive from the VC to harass the SSANU Chairman or any member, citing the VC’s absence from Ekiti State on the day of the alleged incident. The University did, however, engage security agents to prevent the closure of the University gate by SSANU members.

Regarding the ongoing strike action called by SSANU’s national body to demand withheld 2022 salaries from the Federal Government, FUOYE’s Management asserted its lack of authority to address the salary issue, underscoring that it falls within the purview of the Federal Government. Despite the strike’s peaceful observance in other universities, FUOYE experienced occupation and gate closure, which the Management condemned as unjustified and indicative of a targeted confrontation.

In light of the escalating tensions and the unresolved salary dispute, FUOYE’s Management appealed to the Federal Government, specifically addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to expedite the approval and disbursement of the outstanding four months’ salary for 2022.