Cloudshot Inc.

ASUU strike: OAU students shun campus

Vice-Chancellor, OAU, Prof. Omole  

 

Students of Obafemi  Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State did not return to classes as directed by the Federal Government that schools should be re-opened for academic activities on Monday.

Also, lecturers in the university did not report for lectures.

One of the students, Isreal Aborisade, who spoke to our correspondent, said he knew that the FG’s threat would not yield any result.

According to him, OAU branch of Academic Staff  Union of Universities is strong and would not succumb to  any threat.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Abiodun Olarenwaju, confirmed that there were no classes in the school on Monday.

He said, “Sincerely, our students and lecturers did not show up on campus  today for studies.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of ASUU, Prof. Akinola Adegbola, told our correspondent that members of the union would have ended the strike two weeks ago but for lack of trust in the FG.

He said, “The thing is that the strike ought to have been called off penultimate Friday but for the fact that   proper documentation was not observed.

“Our final decision is for the government to concretise whatever has been agreed upon and if they do otherwise – not ensuring strong agreement – it means we will be foolish because once bitten is twice shy.

“If the FG says vice- chancellors should open the universities, it has no meaning because the union has not closed the universities. Members only withdraw  their services. It is not as if the union has made any fresh demand. Nothing new has been added. It is still the same thing that was presented to the government.”

The ASUU chief noted that before sending the letter out to FG, they had agreed to call off the strike without “further delay”.

He said, “After the FG  has settled for documentation, the strike committee will inform the National Executive Council because it is NEC that declares strike and will call it off. There is nothing like placing time on when the strike will end.”