LASU: ASUU petitions Lagos govt over attempt to ‘take over’ secretariat

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Lagos State University (LASU) has alleged an attempt to take over its secretariat at the institution’s Ojo Campus by a faction it claimed is backed by the vice-chancellor.

On Thursday, the union wrote a letter to the Lagos government claiming that Lanre Fagbohun, the outgoing vice-chancellor (VC), had instigated the takeover by using “instruments of his office” to intimidate its members.

The letter also stated that the union would, by all means, defend itself against what it termed an “unprovoked attack”.

“I write to notify you of the possible breakdown of law and order at the Ojo Campus of LASU,” it read.

“This is sequel to plans by some academic members of staff illegally parading themselves as the exco of ASUU-LASU to forcefully take over the union’s Secretariat.

“They have the backing of the vice-chancellor, who is their chief promoter. Recall that this hostile takeover was once attempted and reported to you.

“Our members are outraged by the antics of the outgoing vice-chancellor to continue to use the instruments of his office to intimidate and harass our union.

“They are ready to defend the Secretariat by all means available. The vice-chancellor is responsible for whatever results from this unprovoked attack.”

On the perceived division in the union, a source who reached out to TheCable Lifestyle over the development claimed the group that attempted the takeover has been parading itself “illegally” as ASUU-LASU exco.

“Members of ASUU-LASU are mobilizing to prevent a hostile takeover of its Secretariat after a group of academic staff loyal to the VC, Prof Lanre Fagbohun, and backed by him, invaded the Union’s Secretariat,” the source said.

“The group has been parading itself illegally as ASUU-LASU Exco in spite of its non-recognition by the NEC of ASUU, and majority of academic staff in LASU.”

The union’s national body had earlier — during a national executive council (NEC) meeting — placed an embargo on LASU over what it described as infractions committed by its VC.

It had said the decision came in response to Fagbohun’s “persistent attacks” on ASUU, which led to the “vindictive” dismissal of the union’s chairperson and vice-chairperson in LASU back in 2017.