James Sowole in Akure
The Ondo State University of Technology (OSUTECH) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had raised the alarm over the current situation at the state-owned institution, saying that it is beyond what the governing council can address.
The position of the union was expressed in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held on the school campus and signed by the Chairman, Dr. Dipo Komolafe.
In the three-point communiqué, which centred on the strike, state of the university and appointment of substantive vice-chancellor, the union explained that the attitude of the government towards addressing the situation was capable of permanently stopping academic activities at the university
It stated that the government has totally abandoned the institution and the reality is a far cry from the impression created by the officials of the state government on air. “It is visible even to the blind that the university is in a state of total neglect and abandonment.
“There has not been any improvement/maintenance on the structures on ground or erection of new ones since the take-off of the university due to the non-release of capital grant/non-funding over the years; low staff morale is evident and inadequate research facilities is conspicuous
“Furthermore, government has consistently been inconsistent with the release of subvention to the university and this has consequently led to irregular or non-payment of salaries, high turn-over of qualified and experienced academic staff and declivity in staff welfare.
“The problems ravaging the university are beyond the power of the university council and management. Only serious intervention of the state government can put an end to the sufferings of the staff, students and university.”
Komolafe said in view of the situation in the university, the union resolved that government should take urgent step to release capital grant allocated to the university in this year’s budget in order to address facility decay and completion of some of the abandoned projects.
He said the government should support the university council/management with necessary funds to ensure the successful take off of additional faculties and release quickly all outstanding subventions due to the institution so as to also resolve the ongoing industrial action embarked on by all the unions in the university.
In addition, the ASUU chairman urged the government to set up a visitation panel to examine the financial activities of the university since inception to date and to put inplace measures to improve the security situation of the host communities.
“As a measure to lift the institution, the management should intensify efforts to ensure that donor agencies are motivated to complete ongoing projects in the university.”
Komolafe said in order to ensure stability in the management of the university, the governor, who is the visitor to the university, should appoint and announce a suitable candidate as the substantive vice-chancellor out of the names submitted to him.
