By Odunayo Babalola, Abeokuta
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Branch, has commended the outgoing Governing Council of the institution, led by Prof. Toyin Ashiru
for what it described as four years of visionary leadership, industrial peace and significant institutional achievements.
The Branch Chairperson, Dr. Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu, ASUU made this known in a statement as the institution concluded a three – day retreat at Ago – Iwoye on Friday, as part of activities marking the Council’s tenure, stressing that its era was marked by academic calendar stability, respect for university autonomy, improved staff welfare and strengthened governance.
The union noted that OOU experienced uninterrupted academic activities, improved staff morale and increased public confidence during the Council’s tenure, attributing the successes to the collaborative efforts of the Ogun State Government, the Governing Council, the university management and staff unions.
ASUU particularly praised the seamless implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement without industrial action, describing it as a major achievement at a time when several public universities across the country faced delays and disputes over the agreement.
He noted that the Council’s commitment to staff welfare had remained one of Nigeria’s better-paying state universities while assuring that agreements affecting other university unions would also be implemented once the necessary salary schedules were released.
The union leader further lauded the Ogun State Government for respecting the institution’s autonomy, saying the administration created an enabling environment that allowed the university to function in line with its statutory responsibilities without undue interference.
According to the branch ASUU chair, the stable governance environment contributed to the university securing full accreditation from the National Universities Commission for more than 50 academic programmes, while student enrolment and public patronage also increased significantly.
He added that alumni engagement was strengthened during the period, leading to greater collaboration, mentorship, infrastructural support and philanthropic contributions. It also noted that the university expanded partnerships with local and international organisations, government agencies, industries and development partners to boost teaching, research and innovation.
Yinusa identified the approval of the revised Conditions of Service and Promotion Criteria in December 2025 as another landmark achievement, saying the reforms modernised personnel administration and aligned it with global best practices.
He also commended the Council for ensuring prompt and transparent promotion exercises, revealing that there were no outstanding promotion cases awaiting approval and that the 2026 promotion exercise was already underway.
It further applauded the maintenance of a stable academic calendar and regular convocation ceremonies, noting that the university currently has no backlog of convocations.
While celebrating the achievements, he stressed that challenges such as sustainable funding, research investment, digital transformation, infrastructure development and staff capacity building still require sustained attention.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government and subsequent administrations to consolidate on the gains recorded, while urging the appointment of competent and credible individuals to the university’s Governing Council.
ASUU maintained that the outgoing Council had demonstrated that respect for university autonomy, staff welfare, accountability and visionary leadership remain essential ingredients for sustainable university development, pledging the union’s continued commitment to constructive engagement and the advancement of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, described the past four years of the University’s Governing Council as a period of strategic reforms, institutional stability and remarkable growth, saying the administration has laid a solid foundation for sustained development.
Agboola said the Council had successfully reviewed its achievements and developed a roadmap to guide the incoming administration. According to him, the deliberate planning undertaken since assuming office has positioned the University for continuity and long-term progress.
He stressed that sustained government funding remains critical to the survival and growth of universities, arguing that no higher institution can achieve complete financial autonomy. He noted that adequate investment in research, innovation and start-up initiatives is essential for universities to drive entrepreneurship, industrial development and economic growth.
He also commended the Ogun State Government for its continued support, particularly the proposed construction of a state-of-the-art building for the institution.
Agboola attributed the University’s growing student population to industrial harmony and the prompt payment of staff salaries. He disclosed that enrolment had increased from about 27,000 to over 35,000 students within four years, noting that regular salary payments have boosted staff morale and created a stable learning environment capable of attracting more students.
