We Are Not Troublemakers But Union Of Intellectuals- ASUU OAU Chairman

Damola Badmos 

ASUU OAU holds special congress; pinpoint demands.
NASU apologizes, calls for collaboration.
SU President reiterates solidarity, calls for synergy.
ERC advises a students' congress.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife branch, on the early hours of Wednesday, 23rd November, held its one-day special congress and rally at the level of First Bank lecture theatre.

The past chairman of the union, Professor Omotoye Olorode, a speaker, in his remarks stated that on Dec. 31, 1983, the Structural Adjustment Program(SAP) announced by the Shehu Shagari led government was a signal that the real colonization of Nigeria was about to start as it had a reversal effect on all the promises made during independence, educational sector particularly. The current president, President Muhammadu Buhari who became the Head of State back then after a coup attempt went ahead to implement the program and resistance from lecturers led to some of them being sent to prison. 

He also commented that back then, Awo hall had a subsidized policy where students enjoy things at cheap rate in the cafe but that has now been turned into a reading room. In April 1984, the initiative was due to advice from the world bank that the government is spending too much on university students. The VC then bought into the program and sold all the equipment in the cafe while some of those in charge leveraged on that to begin their own cafe business.  

Prof. Omotoye Olorode
Past Chairman ASUU OAU branch

According to the Don, "In 1982, Asuu insisted on the need for a template for periodic negotiation for the condition of the universities; majorly funding, autonomy and condition of service. Since then, it has not changed. The agreement was that every three years, there'd be renegotiation. But nothing has changed. For the civil societies, the government makes use of awards to negotiate in order to render them ineffective." 

He further stated that the current minister of Labour, Sen. Chris Ngige is the main part of the conspiracy formed against university lecturers. 

Commenting on the 'No Work; No Pay' rule, the Don said, " The no work no pay rule is an attempt to kill trade unions. It's not only against ASUU but a potential threat to future protests. 

Peter Obi's manifesto is totally different from Labour Party's manifesto which is also different from the NLC's manifesto. ASUU members should vote for who they want but should be prepared." 

Professor Y.K Salami, also a guest speaker in his remarks stated that "we have the Nigerian flag independence but we do not have economic independence. Many were victims of the oppressors as they do not want those who can stand against them. A lecturer even lost his professorship due to this in the 80s. Casual means informal, without direction. It is the tendency to use temporary workers instead of permanent ones. It is predominantly for unskilled workers and they are trying to do that to ASUU. They do not want us to enjoy any form of negotiation or social process. The easiest way to achieve this by the government is to demoralize such unions and make sure they do not belong to any organization. The government is testing us with the pro-rated salary and if it is not resisted, other conditions can be tampered with successfully. 

The Students' Union President, Olayiwola Folahan in his address commended ASUU for fighting against the current system. According to him, "Pro-rata employed by government as a form of casualization does not sit well with the students. ASUU fought honorably well but it is more important they work closely with the students union. I am confident of the readiness of the students to work in line with ASUU to fight for their rights." He also encouraged ASUU to continue to employ diplomatic means to achieve its aims. 

The Education Rights Campaign president commended ASUU and reiterated that the demands of ASUU are not of ASUU online but also of the society. He enjoined the SU leadership to call a special congress to make the students take a position on the matter and take the necessary steps. He further stated the need for more programs and sensitization to reach out to other members and society. According to him, "Rights of educational workers need to be respected and the decision-making process needs to be modified." He condemned the move of the minister to register unions in order to weaken the position of ASUU. 

The NASU chairman Comrade Dayo Oyediwura, in his remarks, said NASU apologizes to ASUU for whatever they have done against ASUU during the strike. He commended Prof. Olorode for his activism efforts. He also stated that "if we continue to troll the right paths of all unions, the oppressors will be checkmated. It came as a rude shock that the government can approve the registration of another academic union because we all know what Asuu stands for." 

He further stated that this scenario once happened when NAAT broke away from NASU. He condemned the minister of labour and tagged him a dictator.

According to the chairman, "He (Ngige) is part of those advising the president. We have the resources which are the weapon, time and people available to put an end to this.

The ASUU chairman took over and reacted to what the SU President said and promised to build a closer relationship with the students and that they are partners in this struggle. He also promised to step up the efforts of the previous administration towards bridging the gap and further stated that this program idea was a directive from the national leadership. 

In his words, "this movement is to start from FBLT to DSA to Pharmacy and the SUB-White House junction where a final discussion will hold." He also confirmed this to be a continuous thing until their demands are met. 

Although the movement didn't hold, a press conference and solidarity actions took place in front of the lecture theatre before everyone dispersed.

The Great Ife SU President, Olayiwola Folahan, stated his position on the rally ground with journalists" We're here particularly to reiterate our demand and is for the fact that we want better welfarism in our education system. We need a more conducive learning environment. It is necessary for us to demand for these while we don't sit back". 

(PHOTO CREDIT:  @oau_kilonshele)

In a press interview with the ASUU OAU Chairperson Prof. Anthony Odiwe at the rally, he stated "We're not trouble makers, we're a union of intellectuals and the latest insult on our union is the payment of prorated salary in October to our members. For us or for me as a person, it is a complete distraction.

We have reasons why we went on strike and those issues are still there, governments have not addressed those issues even those they've addressed were partially addressed and that's why we are obeying the National directive that we should organize this special congress. Government should do the needful, we are not casual workers."

Reacting to the ASUU's clamour for the removal of the Labour Minister, Chris Ngige stated " We're not interested in who is the Minister, we're interested in the Minister doing what is right, if Ngige is not doing what is right then the government should remove him. If he has become a stopping block to the demands of the Union, he should be removed." He added.

Prof. Anthony Odiwe
ASUU OAU Chairman, granting press men interview 

(PHOTO CREDIT: OAU Kilonshele/Olabode Oluwafemi)