Makinde’s step aside order on LAUTECH VC against extant laws, says ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has condemned the “step aside” order given to the vice-chancellor of the institution.

Seyi Makinde, Oyo state governor, had earlier ordered Michael Ologunde, the varsity’s VC,  to step aside until further notice.

According to NAN, in a statement jointly signed by Biodun Olaniran, the varsity’s ASUU chairperson, and Toyin Abegunrin, its secretary, after the branch’s congress on Monday, the union said the state government didn’t follow due process in its action.

It said that it received with shock, the directive emanating from the office of the state’s commissioner for education.

The union said that the government erred in its action because it was strange to the provision of the university act.

It argued that the state government lacked the power to sack the VC without the recommendation of the governing council.

The ASUU said, based on the content of the April 16 press release conveying the governor’s directive, a congress of the union held on April 19 resolved among others that the decision should be rescinded and due process followed.

“That the decision violated the provisions of the University Miscellaneous Act as amended, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology law 2020 and the University conventions,” it said.

“If there is any perceived misdemeanour on the part of any officer appointed by the law in the university, due process according to the law must be followed to address such.”

The union noted that it acknowledges the power of the visitor to hire and fire on one part.

“Such power is premised on the recommendation of the governing council according to the extant laws. That as of today, the governing council has not been properly constituted in line with the law of the university,” it added.

“ASUU LAUTECH, therefore, requests that to maintain industrial harmony on campus and the ongoing restoration of the image of the University, the above resolutions should be considered with the necessary urgency.”