Ondo university workers embark on 7-day protest

The Joint Action Congress (JAC), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa in Ondo State, has embarked on a seven-day protest over alleged injustice committed by the governing board of the institution.

JAC includes the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU); Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU); and the National Association for Academic Technology (NAAT).

Protesters gathered in large numbers and sang songs of solidarity at the main gate of the institution on Tuesday.

They also carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “The Council headed by Adesomoju is Illegal,” and “Council, That Peace Reigns, Give to Ceaser what is Ceaser’s.”

Other inscriptions were “The Chairman of the Board Must Go, Bye Bye Adesomoju,” and “Do Not Deny Promotion to Our Members.”

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JAC Chairman, Mr. Bobola Bamigbola, while addressing the protesters, said members would withdraw all services for the next seven working days.

He said the protests would stop when institutional leaders and the state government took firm action on the issue.

“The chairman of the governing board, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju, is involved in abuse of office and high-handed behavior, which is inimical to the development of the institution.

“Two of our members who passed the exam were immediately denied promotion by the chairman of the board.

“We also categorically state that Adesomoju must resign as chairman of the council for violating the gazette that established this institution.

“The official gazette states that a chairman of the council cannot exceed two terms, but Adesomoju occupied the seat illegally in his third term.

“We will continue this protest for seven working days,” said its chairman.