Workers at Osun State University, UNIOSUN, have accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of threatening them in response to their demands for better welfare and working conditions.
Members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) voiced this concern as part of the Joint Action Committee.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the workers stated that no intimidation would dissuade them from using their legitimate rights.
The workers voiced dissatisfaction with Governor Adeleke’s words during the university’s recent convocation ceremony, which they regarded as threats to their continuing campaign for better welfare.
“We thank His Excellency for his worker-friendly policies, particularly for the UNIOSUN workforce,” the JAC chairman, Kunmi Dada, said in the statement.
“However, we are deeply concerned by the remarks made during the 14th Convocation, where threats were directed at our members concerning their rightful demands for better welfare and working conditions.
“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 reiterated his respect for and recognition of Osun State University staff for their essential contributions to the institution’s development.
Reacting through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reminded the union that worker welfare is the number one priority on his government agenda, assuring them that he supports improved working conditions for all kinds of workers.
He did, however, advise the union to approach their demands with a sense of responsibility in order 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.