STRIKE ALERT: LAUTECH ASUU appeals to Makinde for intervention on 2025 agreement
Yinka ADETUNJI
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) branch, Ogbomoso, has appealed to the governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde, to intervene and direct the implementation of the 2025 FGN–ASUU agreement and the payment of outstanding staff entitlements.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Prof Olujimi Dada and Dr ‘Soji Arinola, chairperson and secretary of the union respectively, and made available to newsmen. It notes the agreement was signed in December 2025 between ASUU and the federal government but that up till now it is yet to be implemented at the state level despite its domestication.
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso Branch, wishes to draw the attention of the Government and good people of Oyo State, the media, students, parents, alumni and other stakeholders to the increasingly difficult situation arising from the partial-implementation of the December 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement at LAUTECH, as well as the continued accumulation of outstanding staff entitlements.”
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The union notes it was not posed for confrontation but dialogue and appeal, affirming the domestication of the agreement by the Oyo state government. “Following this formal signing and its adoption, the provisions requiring domestication at LAUTECH were appropriately processed and approved by the University’s Governing Council and this was brought to the attention of the Visitor to the University.”
The body insists the issue remains full implementation of “an agreement whose financial and institutional implications have already been communicated to the appropriate authorities.”
It informs all avenues for engagement had been exhausted without result, lamenting it had been difficult meeting the governor for dialogue. “The Union has made several efforts to secure an audience with the Oyo State Government to discuss the full implementation of the agreement and the payment of other outstanding entitlements owed its members, including Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and arrears of promotion. The Union has consistently pursued formal and informal avenues of engagement because we believe that dialogue remains the most responsible way to resolve industrial disputes in a university environment.”
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The union stresses it was not disposed to embarking on industrial action, noting strike remains the last option.
Further, it informs the financial implications required for the full implementation had been submitted, wondering why implementation, is still held up, just as it stated that despite several challenges the staff have continued to contribute significantly to maintaining high standards.
“It is important to place this agitation within the context of the contributions of LAUTECH staff to the development and reputation of Oyo State.
“Despite funding constraints, outstanding entitlements, inadequate teaching and research facilities and other institutional challenges, members of staff have continued to teach, supervise students, conduct research, publish, innovate and sustain the academic calendar.
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“LAUTECH has continued to attract national recognition and relevance such as Best State University in Nigeria and Best University of Technology in Nigeria.”
“These achievements did not happen by accident. It has been sustained through the commitment, sacrifice and professional dedication of its workers. The reputation of LAUTECH is therefore not built by buildings and policies alone; it is built daily by the people who teach, research, supervise, administer and serve the University.”
While agitating for the full implementation of the 2025 agreement it asserts there were other issues of concern such as the payment of outstanding entitlements (Earned Academic Allowance and promotion arrears).
“The issue before us goes beyond the salary of individual lecturers. It concerns the sustainability of one of Oyo State’s most important institutions.”
It also notes, “A university cannot sustainably maintain quality teaching, cutting-edge research, accreditation standards, technological development and international competitiveness-the ultimate goals of the AGREEMENT, without adequate and predictable funding. LAUTECH should not be expected to maintain world-class aspirations on inadequate funding.”
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The union emphasizes its aversion for strike action, “Let it be clearly stated: ASUU LAUTECH does not desire industrial action, our preferred option remains dialogue, negotiation and mutually acceptable resolution.”
It nonetheless warns, “However, dialogue must produce results. Repeated appeals without implementation cannot constitute a permanent industrial-relations strategy. The University community cannot indefinitely absorb the consequences of unimplemented agreements and accumulated entitlements while being expected to maintain uninterrupted academic excellence. Jar, sooner than later, may be shaken the way our welfare is being treated both within and without.”
On a final note, the union makes known its demands via appeal however, “ASUU LAUTECH therefore makes the following urgent appeals to the Oyo State Government: Commence without further delay the full implementation of the December 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement at LAUTECH. This will enable the University sustain its responsibilities by striking a balance with staff strength, student population, accreditation obligations and research mandate, direct LAUTECH Governing Council to ensure a sustainable framework for resolving the University’s funding and staff-welfare challenges, protect the stable academic calendar and uninterrupted learning by resolving the issues before they degenerate into industrial action.”
Similarly, they urge stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious bodies, alumni, students, parents, professional associations, civil society organisations, the media and other well-meaning citizens of Oyo state “to lend their voices to this appeal,” pleading, “We respectfully appeal to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, to intervene personally and urgently in the matter. We believe that the Oyo State Government has both the capacity and responsibility to prevent an avoidable disruption of academic activities.”
It also states, “LAUTECH has continued to give its best to Oyo State. Its workers deserve the opportunity to work under conditions that enable them to continue giving their best.”
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