By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye chapter on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to peace and harmony in the state – owned institution and appealed to all staff – academic and non – academic, to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of disrupting the fragile stability that has been built over the years through collective efforts.
ASUU said the appeal became necessary following an information from the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) about a planned protest this morning, Tuesday, November 4, by some members of staff of the University over pension issues and the “two-days-off” work policy introduced by the State Government earlier to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.
In a release to the media by Comrade Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu,
Chairman, ASUU-OOU, he recalled that the Union had provided clarifications on the true position of things within the University in the course of engagement with the NLC leadership on the issues raised by the concerned staff.
The ASUU – OOU acknowledged that every union has the right to express grievances, but advised that such expressions must be guided by facts and institutional realities.
It added that the University Administration has not neglected its obligations to staff.
According to the Union, the university administration has continued to operate within limited financial resources while demonstrating genuine concern for the welfare of all employees.
It also explained that the clarification was necessary to prevent misinformation and to restate ASUU-OOU’s unwavering commitment to peace, fairness, and truth within the University system.
Below is the statement….
Clarifying Issues and Reaffirming Commitment to Harmony in the University System
The attention of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University branch (ASUU-OOU), was recently drawn by the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the planned protest by some members of staff of our University scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
In the course of engagement with the NLC leadership, the issues raised by the concerned staff were discussed, and ASUU-OOU provided clarifications on the true position of things within the University. It is therefore necessary to share these clarifications with the wider University community—particularly the academic staff—so that facts, not sentiments, guide public understanding.
The Issues at Stake
The planned protest is premised on two major allegations:
1. That the University has not been paying pensions regularly; and
2. That the “two-days-off” work policy introduced by the Ogun State Government is being discontinued by the University.
While every union has the right to express grievances, such expressions must be based on facts and institutional realities. We must acknowledge that the University Administration has not neglected its obligations to staff. Rather, it continues to operate within limited financial resources while demonstrating genuine concern for the welfare of all employees.
Efforts of the University Administration on Staff Welfare
In response to the prevailing economic challenges and the hardship caused by subsidy removal, the University Administration—following internal consultations with staff Unions—implemented targeted interventions to support all categories of workers:
1. Special Allowance Payment
A special allowance was approved and paid to all staff to cushion the effects of rising transport and living costs.
2. Gradual Payment of Pension Arrears
The University Administration has worked out the modalities for clearing the backlog of pension arrears it met on ground several years ago, following extensive consultation with all staff unions.
In addition, the University has maintained consistent payment of contributory pension, by regularly deducting employees’ contributions and remitting the University’s employer component as required by law.
Recently, a University-wide meeting was held with staff on pension matters where updates were provided, and a clear roadmap was charted on the payment of outstanding pension obligations. This renewed commitment underscores the seriousness of the Administration in addressing pension concerns within the limit of available resources.
3. Continuous Dialogue and Responsiveness
The Administration has remained open to dialogue and consultation with all staff unions on welfare-related issues, ensuring that decisions are taken with a full understanding of existing fiscal constraints.
These are not the actions of an indifferent management but of one striving to combine fiscal prudence with human sensitivity.
On the “Two-Days-Off” Policy
The “two-days-off” policy was a temporary palliative introduced by the Ogun State Government for civil servants at the height of fuel-subsidy-induced economic strain.
Universities, however, operate under a distinct system with continuous academic and administrative cycles that require staff presence to maintain stability.
In the case of Olabisi Onabanjo University, the peculiar demands of academic calendars, examinations, research supervision, and essential services make it impractical to implement the policy wholesale without disrupting core functions.
It is also important to note that the State Government supported the recent directive of the University Council to discontinue the policy in the University system, considering the nature of academic operations and the need for institutional stability.
The University Administration has instead adopted other compensatory welfare measures to ease the burden on staff without compromising academic continuity.
The Role of Academics in Sustaining Stability
As intellectual leaders, academics have a moral and institutional duty to promote peace, understanding, and balance in times of tension.
Our calling demands that we champion reasoned dialogue and responsible conduct that safeguard the stability of the University.
The strength of our advocacy for better welfare lies in our unwavering commitment to duty, discipline, and academic excellence.
When the University system is stable, every staff category benefits from the atmosphere of cooperation and progress.
Conclusion
This clarification is necessary to prevent misinformation and to restate ASUU-OOU’s unwavering commitment to peace, fairness, and truth within our University system.
We appeal to all staff to exercise restraint, avoid actions capable of disrupting the fragile stability we have collectively built, and continue to engage through dialogue and institutional channels.
Olabisi Onabanjo University is our shared heritage.
Its peace and progress must remain the priority of all well-meaning members of the community.
In Solidarity,
Comrade Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu, PhD
Chairman, ASUU-OOU
