AKURE — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter, has directed its members to withdraw from all academic activities following the Ondo State Government’s failure to pay outstanding salaries and arrears.
The directive, issued in a notice jointly signed by branch Chairperson Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi and Secretary Dr. Olusegun Taiwo, was made public on Sunday.
According to the union, the decision was reached at its congress on Thursday, August 21, where members unanimously resolved to down tools until their financial entitlements are fully settled.
“Sir, 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 statement read in part.
The development follows a 14-day warning strike in June by the Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-owned Tertiary Institutions (ODSTI), of which ASUU-AAUA is a member. The earlier strike highlighted long-standing grievances including poor funding, non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage, unpaid arrears, non-payment of wage awards, outstanding gratuities for retirees, and several months of unpaid salaries at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
Reacting, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, assured that the government is already taking steps to resolve the crisis. He disclosed that a committee had been set up to address the matter and that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed the immediate commencement of payments.
“A committee was set up to resolve the issue. It has met and recommendations have been made. For the salary arrears, the governor has already directed the university to commence payment. I am confident the matter will be resolved within days,” Ajanaku said.
He further explained that the government plans to incorporate the committee’s recommendations into the next budget cycle to ensure sustainable funding for state-owned tertiary institutions.
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