By Adetula David
What vast majority of students have tagged the ‘impending mess’ that may result from the disagreement between the Management of Obafemi Awolowo University and the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) may have been averted following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade in the matter today.
The members of the NASU had initially threatened to come out in ‘flying colours’ on Tuesday should the Management fail to listen to their demands. This was in reaction to the Circular by the University Registrar directing the Union members to return to their work places next week Tuesday of face disciplinary measures.
The members of the NASU had initially threatened to come out in ‘flying colours’ on Tuesday should the Management fail to listen to their demands. This was in reaction to the Circular by the University Registrar directing the Union members to return to their work places next week Tuesday of face disciplinary measures.
The Ooni of Ife in a meeting involving both parties this afternoon (Saturday, 18th July, 2015) sued for peace after listening to the University Management whose team was led by the Vice Chancellor himself and also the NASU led by her Chairman, Comrade Wole Odewumi.
Comrade Odewumi confirmed the Union’s meeting with Ooni of Ife to OAU Peeps News Agency tonight and he said he has promised to take the King’s message to his members on Tuesday during their Congress.
“We’ve been there... Ooni begged us to be patient that the money has not been released by the Federal Government... We told them that we are not saying whether Government gave them money or the Government did not give them money. Where they got the money to implement the ones they have been paying, the responsibility allowance, they should find means of getting the same money that will cater for the generality of workers.”
When asked if the NASU is now ready to back down and shift ground considering Ooni’s plea, he said he has already called a Congress and he will relay the plea to his members. He however maintained that the Vice Chancellor has not changed his tone as he insists on disciplinary measures should the NASU fail to obey the directive issued out some days ago.
The University’s position since the NASU members started their demonstrations has been that the Federal Government is yet to remit the fund required to pay the NASU members and as such, no means to meet their demand.
The University’s position since the NASU members started their demonstrations has been that the Federal Government is yet to remit the fund required to pay the NASU members and as such, no means to meet their demand.
With this, no substantial position can be inferred as relating to the fate of students should they return to campus on Tuesday as announced by the school authority but considering the status of the intervener, many believe the NASU is most likely to shift ground. The Students’ Union has however promised to come forth with a position after they get the briefing from the meeting of the Management and the NASU with Ooni of Ife. The Union leaders had earlier met with the NASU leadership earlier today on the same issue.
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