The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State has notified students to disregard the state government’s directive to resume academic activities.

This is coming after the state government had instructed all primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions in the state to reopen from October 19th.

In a statement issued by the OAUSTECH ASUU Chairman, Dr Dipo Komolafe titled, ‘Resumption of Academic Activities in Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State: ASUU OAUSTECH Position’, the union remarked that due to the ongoing ASUU strike; the institution was unsafe for resumption.

The statement read in part, “The union wishes to inform the general public especially students and parents/guardians of the institution that the university is not in good condition for teaching, learning and community service as ASUU is on a national strike.

“It may be of utmost interest to the public to know that some of the most contentious issues between our union; ASUU and governments (Federal and State) that led to the ongoing strike are shortfall in salary, non-payment of earned academic allowance and inadequate funding of universities. These issues are also seriously ravaging OAUSTECH.

“The union never expected the university administration to comply with this ignominious directive of the government considering the lingering crisis between the union and the government. The crisis rocking the universities of which OAUSTECH is not exempted stems from inadequate funding by the present administration in the state.

“The union also is informing the public that the ASUU strike is still on and anytime the strike is suspended, the union cannot guarantee industrial peace in Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, owing to the above stated local challenges.”