Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU has kicked against a protest held on Tuesday by some workers at the Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, just as the union reaffirmed its commitment to sustenance of industrial harmony on campus
The aggrieved workers are accusing the management of not paying pensions regularly and not continuing the “two-days-off” work policy introduced by the Ogun State Government
But the branch Chairman of ASUU, Comrade Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu, PhD clarified on the issues raised by the concerned workers ,saying the administration of the university has never neglected its obligations to staff, rather, it continues to operate within limited financial resources while demonstrating genuine concern for the welfare of all employees.
The union in a statement made available to Edu-biznews on Tuesday, explained welfare packages initiated by the administration of the university after reaching agreements with various workers" unions on campus to cushion the effects of hardship caused by removal of fuel subsidy
A special allowance according to ASUU, was approved and paid to all staff to cushion the effects of rising transport and living costs while gradual payment of pension arrears were paid
"The University Administration has worked out the modalities for clearing the backlog of pension arrears it met on ground several years ago, following extensive consultation with all staff unions"
"The university has maintained consistent payment of contributory pension, by regularly deducting employees’ contributions and remitting the University’s employer component as required by law", ASUU clarified
The union maintained that administration of the university had demonstrated enough commitment on how to ensure the payment of the outstanding pension obligations within the limit of available resources.
On the two days off palliative initiative by government to reduce the financial hardship on civil servants not practicable in the university system, ASUU said that the University Administration instead adopted other compensatory welfare measures to ease the burden on staff without compromising academic continuity.
The union however appealed to various workers unions to exercise restraint and continue to engage the management, so as to ensure stability in the university system
"We appeal to all staff to exercise restraint, avoid actions capable of disrupting the fragile stability we have collectively built, and continue to engage through dialogue and institutional channels", it concluded
The below is the excerpts of the clarification statement by ASUU
The attention of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University branch (ASUU-OOU), was recently drawn by the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the planned protest by some members of staff of our University scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
In the course of engagement with the NLC leadership, the issues raised by the concerned staff were discussed, and ASUU-OOU provided clarifications on the true position of things within the University. It is therefore necessary to share these clarifications with the wider University community—particularly the academic staff—so that facts, not sentiments, guide public understanding.
The Issues at Stake
The planned protest is premised on two major allegations:
1. That the University has not been paying pensions regularly; and
2. That the “two-days-off” work policy introduced by the Ogun State Government is being discontinued by the University.
While every union has the right to express grievances, such expressions must be based on facts and institutional realities. We must acknowledge that the University Administration has not neglected its obligations to staff. Rather, it continues to operate within limited financial resources while demonstrating genuine concern for the welfare of all employees.
Efforts of the University Administration on Staff Welfare
In response to the prevailing economic challenges and the hardship caused by subsidy removal, the University Administration—following internal consultations with staff Unions—implemented targeted interventions to support all categories of workers:
1. Special Allowance Payment
A special allowance was approved and paid to all staff to cushion the effects of rising transport and living costs.
2. Gradual Payment of Pension Arrears
The University Administration has worked out the modalities for clearing the backlog of pension arrears it met on ground several years ago, following extensive consultation with all staff unions.
In addition, the University has maintained consistent payment of contributory pension, by regularly deducting employees’ contributions and remitting the University’s employer component as required by law.
Recently, a University-wide meeting was held with staff on pension matters where updates were provided, and a clear roadmap was charted on the payment of outstanding pension obligations. This renewed commitment underscores the seriousness of the Administration in addressing pension concerns within the limit of available resources.
3. Continuous Dialogue and Responsiveness
The Administration has remained open to dialogue and consultation with all staff unions on welfare-related issues, ensuring that decisions are taken with a full understanding of existing fiscal constraints.
These are not the actions of an indifferent management but of one striving to combine fiscal prudence with human sensitivity.
On the “Two-Days-Off” Policy
The “two-days-off” policy was a temporary palliative introduced by the Ogun State Government for civil servants at the height of fuel-subsidy-induced economic strain.
Universities, however, operate under a distinct system with continuous academic and administrative cycles that require staff presence to maintain stability.
In the case of Olabisi Onabanjo University, the peculiar demands of academic calendars, examinations, research supervision, and essential services make it impractical to implement the policy wholesale without disrupting core functions.
It is also important to note that the State Government supported the recent directive of the University Council to discontinue the policy in the University system, considering the nature of academic operations and the need for institutional stability.
The University Administration has instead adopted other compensatory welfare measures to ease the burden on staff without compromising academic continuity.
The Role of Academics in Sustaining Stability
As intellectual leaders, academics have a moral and institutional duty to promote peace, understanding, and balance in times of tension.
Our calling demands that we champion reasoned dialogue and responsible conduct that safeguard the stability of the University.
The strength of our advocacy for better welfare lies in our unwavering commitment to duty, discipline, and academic excellence.
When the University system is stable, every staff category benefits from the atmosphere of cooperation and progress.
Conclusion
This clarification is necessary to prevent misinformation and to restate ASUU-OOU’s unwavering commitment to peace, fairness, and truth within our University system.
We appeal to all staff to exercise restraint, avoid actions capable of disrupting the fragile stability we have collectively built, and continue to engage through dialogue and institutional channels.
Olabisi Onabanjo University is our shared heritage.
Its peace and progress must remain the priority of all well-meaning members of the community.
In Solidarity,
Comrade Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu, PhD
Chairman, ASUU-OOU
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