Staff unions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Ondo are protesting the institution’s alleged mass dismissal of workers.
On Wednesday, the unions prevented members of the university community from gaining entry into the school.
They are demanding the reinstatement of the sacked workers.
Among the unions involved are the OAUSTECH union chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
Others are the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the National Association of Nigeria Students (SSANU).
Rotimi Olorunisola, OAUSTECH-ASUU chairman, said some of the sacked workers were appointed in March 2022, but were laid off by the institution’s governing council.
Olorunisola added that the unions decided to protest after all efforts to appeal to the council proved abortive.
“Our members were appointed in March before the inauguration of the council in August 2022, but the council insisted that the appointees must be sacked,” the union chair said.
“The joint action congress (JAC) of the unions deliberated on the issue and decided to embark on the protest following what the injustices meted to our members.
“The protest will continue until the council reverses its decision.”
Dayo Temola, the chairman of the JAC of OAUSTECH, claimed 22 of its staff members were sacked.
He said the news was initially debunked by the institution when it first filtered out until June 20.
Temola urged the Ondo state government to set up an external panel to review the matter.
“The basis of these mass sacks by the council is not tenable and will neither be tolerated nor accepted,” said the chairman.
“The Unions of SSANU, NASU AND NAAT hereby reject this mass sack and demand that [it is] reversed with immediate effect.”
Speaking on the protest, Paul Adeagbo, the institution’s spokesperson, said the management will soon address the public on the allegation.
Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle