Workers at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa in Ondo State, have launched a seven day protest over alleged promotion denial and high handedness by the institution's governing council chairman.
The Joint Action Congress, comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non Academic Staff Union and National Association of Academic Technologists, mobilised members for the peaceful demonstration at the institution's main gate on Tuesday.
Protesters carried placards with various inscriptions including 'Council led by Adesomoju is Illegal', 'Council, For Peace to Reign, Give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser', 'Council Chairman must Go, Bye Bye Adesomoju' and 'Don't Deny Our Members of their Promotions', while singing solidarity songs.
Addressing the protesters, the JAC Chairman, Mr Bobola Bamigbola, announced that members would withdraw all services for the next seven working days until the management of the Institution and the State Government take decisive action on the matter.
He accused the Chairman of the governing council, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju, of abuse of office and high handedness, which he described as inimical to the development of the institution.
"Two of our members who passed their examination were summarily denied their promotion by the council chairman. We also state equivocally that Adesomoju must step down as the council chairman for the infraction of the gazette establishing this institution. The gazette states that a council chairman must not exceed two terms, but Adesomoju is occupying the seat illegally in his third term," Bamigbola stated.
He warned that if Adesomoju refuses to step down, the Union will pursue other actions within the ambit of the law, including appropriate legal measures.
Responding to the allegations in a telephone interview, Prof. Adesomoju defended the council's decisions, stating that he followed the laid down rules and regulations for promotion at the institution.
"I am not the council, I am just the chairman, and any decision taken on any issues in this institution cannot be said to be taken by me alone, but by the governing council at large. Well, the Unions have the right to protest, but there are laid down rules and regulations for promotions, and unless the rules and regulations are met, the council will not accept anything short of that," Adesomoju said.
Adesomoju was appointed the pro chancellor and pioneer council chairman of the institution on 6 March 2008.
