Finally, Oyo govt gives nod to NUT’s rival, ASUSS (check out reasons for approval)

Image caption: Gov Seyi Makinde

Finally, Oyo govt gives nod to NUT’s rival, ASUSS (check out reasons for approval)

Khalid ABRAHAM

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The Oyo state government has given recognition and approval to the floating of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Oyo state wing.

This is culmination of a long struggle by members of the union who wanted a separate body for teachers of secondary schools in the state.

In the letter granting the recognition approval issued by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, on behalf of the Commissioner, and titled, “Recognition approval for Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUUS), Oyo State Chapter,” it is stated, “I convey the gracious approval of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde FNSE, DSc, GSSRS for the recognition approval of ASUSS Oyo State Nigeria.”

The letter however clarifies that membership is voluntary adding that union deduction would be subject to authorization by in dividual members.

“In view of this approval, kindly note that membership is voluntary and deduction of union dues from members’ salaries shall commence on receipt of signed check-off authorization forms from individual members. The union is expected to operate in accordance with its registered constitution, the Trade Unions Act and all extant labour laws.”

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It informs that “The Teaching Service Commission would be duly notified to commence the deduction and remittance of Union dues of ASUSS members directly to the Union.”

In another development ogbomosoinsightonline.com findings have revealed why the approval for ASUUS is given at this time. According to credible sources it is not unconnected with the recent industrial action declared by the union aftermath the abduction and killings in Oriire schools. “The governor enjoined the union not to embark on the strike ordered by the national body of the union but the Oyo state wing followed the instruction of its national body moreover when pressure mounted from the general public. That strike soured the governor’s relationship with the union and this might be the consequential whirlwind,” it is posited by a source.

Furthermore, it is alleged that some leaders of the union in the state have a close relationship with the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Sarafadeen Alli, with the thinking that the union has tilted towards the opposition party in the state.

“Al those factors are believed to have provoked the sudden approval by the state government and sealed the fate of NUT,” the source added.

The struggle for the floating of ASUUS in the state has been on for over a decade with different state administrations refusing to grant the approval for deduction of check-off dues of members directly from their salaries. The game has now changed.

When contacted state’s NUT PRO Comrade Niyi Ajala said, “No comment for now.”

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