EKSU retracts ban on staff unions

The governing council of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti has backtracked on its proscription of workers’ unions in the institution.

Last Friday, the council had closed the varsity and proscribed its staff unions over protracted labour disputes.

This was on the back of the intense protests and tension by four unions it said threatened peace on campus.

The unions involved are the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

According to NAN, Bode Olofinmuagun, EKSU’s head at the directorate of information and corporate affairs, confirmed the varsity’s retraction of the proscription in a statement on Thursday.

Bode said the move to unban the unions was made after interventions from well-meaning members of the public.

“Since the decision was taken, the Governing Council has received series of pleas and interventions from well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies as well as the Alumni Association of the university,’’ the spokesman said.

He said the council also stated it was reversing itself as part of efforts to create an enabling environment for further dialogue on all the issues towards the restoration of peace on campus and the continuation of academic activities.

“Council has, therefore, directed that the ban placed on the activities of the four staff unions, ASUU, SSANU, NAAT, and NASU on campus be lifted immediately,” Bode added.

“Arising from the above, normal academic activities hitherto suspended are to also resume without further delay.

“Accordingly, students are to resume on campus to continue with their normal academic activities.”