- I value your contributions to varsity’s development, governor replies workers
Workers of Osun State University have accused the state governor, Ademola Adeleke of issuing threats against them for demanding improved welfare and better working conditions.
The workers, who are members of National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), under the aegis of Joint Action Committee of the university, said no threat or intimidation of any form would make them stop seeking their legitimate demands.
They expressed their displeasure against some remarks of Governor Adeleke at the recently held convocation ceremony of the state-owned institution, which they considered as threats by the governor against the university workers over their demand for improved welfare.
The workers, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the JAC chairman, Kunmi Dada, while thanking Adeleke “for all his worker’s friendly policies especially for Uniosun workforce,” said, “however, we wish to express deep concern over the speech made by His Excellency during the 14th Convocation of the University where threats were directed at our members regarding their legitimate demands for improved welfare and working conditions.”
“The Governor’s comments undermine the efforts and dedication of the hardworking staff who contribute immensely to the continuous growth and success of the University.
“The workers of the University have always been committed to their duties, often going above and beyond to maintain high educational standards, uninterrupted Academic Calendar despite the numerous challenges posed by the multi-campus nature of the university and economic hardship of the country.
“Our demands for better welfare have never been unreasonable, but rather an essential step toward ensuring that we continue to deliver quality services, projecting a good image and standard for the University while maintaining the dignity and well-being of all staff members.
“We felt bad to note that the Governor’s remarks reflect a disregard for dialogue and collaboration, which are fundamental to resolving any issues within a civil society.
“We categorically reject any form of intimidation or coercion and reaffirm our rights to advocate for fair treatment, improved working conditions, and adequate compensation while we project the good name of the university to an enviable level in the country and beyond,” the statement added.
Asking Adeleke to reconsider his stance, the workers urged him to “direct the Authorities of the University that might have misinformed Mr Governor about contentious issues at hand to engage in meaningful discussions with the representatives of the university workers, as dialogue remains the most effective way to resolving disputes. Threats and intimidation will only serve to strain the relationship between the government, management and the University workforce.”
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has reaffirmed his respect for and recognition of workers at the Osun State University for their invaluable contributions to the development of the institution.
Reacting through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reminded the union that workers welfare is the number one item on his governance agenda, assuring them that he supports improved conditions of service for all categories of workers.
He, however, tasked the union to go about their demands with all sense of responsibility to build on the gains so far made in the development of the university.
“I assure our university unions that their welfare is paramount to us as much as that of other workers. I implore them to exercise restraint and patience, especially in view of the state of the national economy. We all have a duty to keep the university system working and growing even as we address our welfare issues within and outside the university community,” Adeleke stated.
