Olusegun Adeyemo
The Adekunle Ajasin University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akungba-Akoko, has suspended all academic activities over unpaid salaries and arrears.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the branch Chairperson, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi, and Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Taiwo, the union announced that its members would withdraw their services indefinitely until the Ondo State Government settles all outstanding payments.
The decision followed a congress held on Thursday, August 21, where members unanimously voted to down tools.
“By this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the university until all our outstanding salaries and arrears are paid,” the notice stated.
This action comes after a 14-day warning strike declared in June by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ondo State-owned Tertiary Institutions, of which ASUU-AAUA is a part. The strike was prompted by the state government’s continued failure to address key issues affecting workers’ welfare.
JAC had cited multiple grievances, including poor funding, non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage, unpaid salary arrears, delay in wage award payments, and six months of unpaid salaries at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
In response, the Ondo State Government acknowledged the financial strain on its institutions. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, said on Sunday that a committee had been established to address the crisis.
“The committee has submitted its recommendations, and the governor has directed the university to begin paying the arrears. We’re hopeful the matter will be resolved in a few days,” Ajanaku said.
He added that the committee’s recommendations would inform the next budget cycle to improve funding for tertiary institutions across the state.