The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ogun State staged a protest on Tuesday against the alleged high-handedness of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola. The protest centered around claims that the VC unilaterally changed university laws regarding congregation elections, which the union argues undermines the rights of non-teaching staff.
Led by SSANU Chairman Dr. Abiodun Lamina, the protest took place at the university’s senate building, where the congregation elections were scheduled to occur. The union demanded the repeal of what they described as illegal actions by the VC, asserting that these changes could have detrimental effects on the university community.
Lamina accused Agboola of attempting to alter the university’s laws without proper consultation or approval. He stated, “This is not the first time; we have written several letters urging him to follow due process, but he insists that nobody can stop him.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among staff regarding the administration’s approach to governance and decision-making.
One of the controversial changes introduced by the VC is a mandate that only employees who held degrees at the time of their employment can be members of the congregation. This move effectively excludes many non-teaching staff who have since obtained their degrees, which Lamina argues is a deliberate attempt to diminish their influence within the university’s statutory committees.
Lamina emphasized the importance of the congregation elections, stating that they provide a platform for staff representation in the university’s governance. “The position of the law is that a degree holder who is a member of SSANU is a member of the congregation and can participate in these elections,” he explained. The new regulations, he contended, are unjust and create unnecessary divisions within the institution.
The protest also serves as a call for intervention from higher authorities, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, to address the ongoing issues between the university’s administration and its staff. Lamina expressed a desire for a return to the collaborative environment experienced under previous Vice-Chancellors, highlighting the need for respect for university laws and proper channels for implementing changes.
In response to the protests, Professor Agboola asserted that the matter had been resolved and denied any wrongdoing regarding the university’s edicts. He stated, “We have resolved the matter. Be rest assured, I have not changed or flouted any provision of the edict of the University.” His comments suggest a disconnect between the administration’s perspective and the concerns raised by the staff.
This situation at Olabisi Onabanjo University reflects broader challenges within Nigeria’s higher education sector, where governance issues often lead to tensions between university administrations and staff unions. The need for transparent communication and inclusive decision-making processes is critical to fostering a harmonious academic environment.
As the protest highlights, the relationship between university administrations and staff is crucial for maintaining a productive educational atmosphere. With ongoing economic challenges and the need for quality education, it is imperative that all stakeholders work collaboratively to ensure that the rights and voices of all staff members are respected and heard.
The SSANU protest at Olabisi Onabanjo University underscores the importance of fair governance practices in higher education. As the university community seeks resolution, it remains essential for the administration to engage with staff in meaningful dialogue to address their concerns and uphold the integrity of the institution.
