Peace Above Protest: ASUU-OOU Clarifies Issues, Reaffirms Support for Staff Welfare

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and harmony within the institution.

The union also appealed to all categories of staff—academic and non-academic—to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could disrupt the hard-earned stability collectively built over the years.

The appeal followed information from the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) about a planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by some university staff over pension issues and the “two-days-off” work policy earlier introduced by the State Government as a palliative measure to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

In a statement signed by Comrade Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu, Chairman of ASUU-OOU, the union recalled that it had already provided clarifications to the NLC leadership on the true state of affairs within the University regarding the concerns raised.

Clarifying Issues and Reaffirming Commitment to Harmony

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The attention of ASUU-OOU was drawn to the planned protest, prompting engagement with NLC officials where the issues at stake were thoroughly discussed. To ensure that facts—not speculation—guide public understanding, the union deems it necessary to share the following clarifications with the University community, particularly the academic staff.

The Issues at Stake

The planned protest is based on two major claims:
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 has been discontinued by the University.

ASUU-OOU acknowledges the right of every union to express grievances but emphasizes that such expressions must be grounded in verifiable facts and institutional realities. The University Administration has not neglected its obligations to staff; rather, it continues to operate within limited financial resources while prioritizing staff welfare.

Efforts of the University Administration on Staff Welfare

In response to the current economic challenges and the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the University Administration—after consultations with staff unions—has implemented several measures to support employees:

1. Special Allowance Payment
   A special allowance was approved and paid to all staff to help cushion the effects of rising transportation and living costs.
2. Gradual Payment of Pension Arrears
   The Administration has established clear modalities for offsetting long-standing pension arrears, following extensive consultations with all unions. It has also maintained consistent remittance of both employee and employer pension contributions in accordance with legal requirements.
   A recent University-wide meeting on pension matters provided updates and reaffirmed management’s commitment to clearing outstanding obligations within available resources.
3. Sustained Dialogue and Responsiveness
   The Administration remains open to dialogue with all staff unions, ensuring that welfare decisions are made with full awareness of fiscal realities. These ongoing engagements demonstrate management’s commitment to balancing financial prudence with compassion.

On the “Two-Days-Off” Policy

The “two-days-off” policy was a temporary palliative introduced by the Ogun State Government for civil servants during the peak of the post-subsidy economic strain.
However, universities operate differently, with continuous academic and administrative cycles that demand consistent staff presence.

At Olabisi Onabanjo University, the unique nature of academic schedules—lectures, examinations, research supervision, and essential services—makes the blanket application of this policy impractical. Consequently, the University Council, with the support of the State Government, directed its discontinuation to preserve academic stability.

Instead, the University has adopted alternative welfare measures that ease staff burdens without disrupting academic operations.

The Role of Academics in Sustaining Stability

As thought leaders, academics bear the moral and professional responsibility of promoting peace, balance, and understanding during challenging times.
Our advocacy for improved welfare must be pursued through reasoned dialogue and responsible conduct that safeguard the institution’s integrity and progress.

A stable university environment benefits everyone and strengthens the foundation for continued development.

Conclusion

This clarification aims to dispel misinformation and reaffirm ASUU-OOU’s unwavering commitment to peace, fairness, and truth within the University system.

We appeal to all staff to remain calm, exercise restraint, and continue engaging through appropriate institutional channels.
Together, we must protect the peace and progress of Olabisi Onabanjo University, our shared heritage and collective responsibility.

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In Solidarity,
Comrade Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu, PhD
Chairman, ASUU-OOU