The Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), has expressed grievance over the demise of a student, citing the closure of the institution’s clinic due to the ongoing strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) as a contributing factor.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, criticized SSANU for what he termed as “insensitivity,” alleging that the national leadership of SSANU was misled into directing a strike that led to the closure of FUOYE.
Prof. Fasina highlighted the tragic loss of a student who succumbed to asthma and emphasized that the inability to access the university clinic due to its closure worsened the situation.
He contrasted the closure of FUOYE’s facilities with the operational status of Ekiti State University’s clinic, questioning why SSANU members allegedly incited violence against FUOYE.
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The Vice Chancellor assured that the university would address the situation legally and asserted that no entity, including unions, could occupy the university unlawfully.
He maintained the commitment to uphold peace and security on campus.
However, SSANU chairman, Oluwaseun Faleye, disputed the university’s claims, asserting that the strike action was duly communicated to FUOYE’s management and challenging the accusations of instigating violence.
Faleye accused the university management of attempting to coerce concessions from the union and employing security agencies to intimidate SSANU members.
He reiterated SSANU’s national directive for the strike and criticized the university’s response, alleging harassment and intimidation tactics employed against the union members.
The dispute between FUOYE’s management and SSANU highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the strike action and underscores broader concerns regarding labor relations within the university system.
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