The Students’ Union of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has called on Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene in the ongoing strike by the university’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In a statement personally signed by the Students’ Union President, Comrade Salami Akeem (Ologbon), and titled “In Solidarity with AAUA Lecturers, AAUA Student Union President Appeals to Ondo State Government for Swift Intervention Amidst ASUU-AAUA Strike,” the union expressed deep concern over the prolonged industrial action and its impact on academic activities.
Akeem lamented that the strike, which has lasted for several weeks, stemmed from unpaid salaries, allowances, and other welfare-related grievances faced by lecturers at the state-owned university.
“It is no longer news that the ASUU-AAUA chapter has been on strike following several reports, engagements, and demonstrations aimed at addressing the irritating treatment AAUA lecturers have suffered over unpaid entitlements,” he stated.
The student leader criticised what he described as growing neglect of the institution by the Ondo State Government, stressing that the development has plunged both lecturers and students into frustration.
“As a state-owned institution, AAUA deserves maximum support from the state government. Unfortunately, recent events show neglect of the university’s urgent needs, leaving the academic community in dismay,” Akeem said.
He warned that the continued lack of attention to the university could have far-reaching consequences, noting that the institution once known for excellence now faces a “crisis of uncertainty and disruption.”
Quoting a proverb, Akeem remarked:
“It is often said that the neglect of the needful leads to the downfall of nations. The current situation, if allowed to persist, may spiral into widespread disarray that could have been prevented through timely intervention.”
Akeem praised the lecturers for their patience and professionalism despite enduring months of hardship, urging the government to act swiftly to restore normalcy and protect the academic calendar.
“Our lecturers have shown remarkable restraint despite withheld salaries and allowances. But to prevent further escalation, the government must intervene immediately,” he said.
He appealed directly to Governor Aiyedatiwa, saying:
“We humbly call on Your Excellency to give prompt attention to the demands of our lecturers. Their welfare is not a privilege—it is a right and the foundation of quality education.”
Reaffirming the students’ solidarity with their lecturers, Akeem added:
“We stand firmly with our lecturers in this struggle and call for a swift, fair resolution that will protect the academic future of thousands of AAUA students.”
Meanwhile, the ASUU-AAUA branch had earlier announced its strike in a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Boluwaji Oshodi, and Secretary, Olusegun Taiwo.
According to the union, the decision was reached during its congress held on August 21, 2025, and members were directed to withdraw their services until all outstanding salaries and arrears are fully paid.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to the overall development of the university but insisted that lecturers’ welfare can no longer be ignored.
