FUOYE Management Denies Obstructing SSANU Members, Urges Government Action on Salary Dispute
The Management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has rebutted allegations of obstructing Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) members from joining the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and impeding dues deduction.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has refuted allegations of hindering members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) from joining the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and impeding the deduction of dues from their salaries. Addressing the press in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Vice Chancellor Professor Abayomi Fasina, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, dismissed the claims as unfounded and provocative.
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The rebuttal comes in response to assertions made by SSANU Chairman of Ekiti State University, Mr. Temidayo Azeez Aguda, during a radio program. Aguda alleged that FUOYE's VC created obstacles for staff seeking to join SSANU and that security agents were deployed to intimidate SSANU officials. Opoola labeled these claims as "inaccurate, baseless, and inflammatory," asserting that membership to SSANU must adhere to due process and is voluntary.
Opoola clarified that while the University had sought security assistance to safeguard the campus gates from being closed by SSANU members, no harassment of SSANU officials occurred as alleged. He also highlighted that FUOYE's gate was locked, unlike other universities in Ekiti, following Aguda's directive for a 7-day strike demanding payment of withheld 2022 salaries. Opoola urged for government intervention to resolve the salary dispute, emphasizing that FUOYE lacks the authority to address salary issues directly.
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In closing, FUOYE Management condemned the gate closure, asserting that such actions were not nationally sanctioned and hinted at legal repercussions for those involved. They appealed to the government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to authorize payment of outstanding salaries owed since 2022.
