OSOGBO – The Students Union Government (SUG) of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State has advised students of the institution who have been on mid semester break to stay back for some days, following the expected face-off between the university’s management and the aggrieved Non Academic Staff Union of Universities, OAU chapter.
It was reliably gathered that the university’s management issued a circular on July 16, 2015, asking all students to resume on July 21, 2015.
It was also reported that the mid-semester break was given by the university’s management in a bid to ensure that students will not be affected by the ongoing NASU strike.
The leadership of the SUG, having understood that the reason for asking students to go home for mid-semester break has not be resolved, had to advise all students to stay back as events unfold on campus.
A statement issued by the SUG Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojedokun, stated that the reason for the mid-semester break has not been resolved.
It reads, “Owing to the resumption date announced by the university’s management on 16th of July, the leadership of Great Ife believes that the University environment might be harsh on the resumption, as no one knows what might happen on Tuesday because NASU vows to make things worse.”
“Also, the continued industrial action of NASU might ground vehicular movement, thus, making it strenuous for our students coming from different parts of the nation with their bags and baggage to be conveyed from the campus gate to their various halls of residence,” he said.
“The continuation of NASU strike is likely to prevent the full operation of health care centre.
“Moreover, the reason for giving the mid-semester break has not been addressed; so we see no reason why our students should resume.”
“It is based on this that the Students’ Union advises that students should stay back at home, to observe the outcome of Tuesday and Wednesday’s NASU/Management face-off,” the statement indicated.
It was reported that the NASU, OAU strike is based on the 64-month hazard allowance that the university management owes them.
The union resorted to massive protest after series of court session between it and the university’s management.