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VC breaks silence as UNILORIN finally joins ASUU
AbdulKareem Age Sulyman
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, on Monday reacted to the moves that led to the University finally joining the national body of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU).
ROYAL NEWS reports that the University had enjoyed smooth academic calendar for close to two decades by shunning the ASUU National leadership.
However, peace pact was recently signed by aggrieved groups and the ‘better by far’ varsity was finally returned to the association. READ ALSO:BREAKING…UNILORIN produces 130 first class graduands, 11, 879 others
Speaking at the 35th convocation press briefing held at the university’s auditorium, the VC said: “permit me to list, as part of our achievements, the support for the efforts at resolving the prolonged feud within the University’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which had subsequently normalised or reconciled our relationship with the mainstream national body of the Union.
“There is no doubt that the two-decade long polarisation of the Union in the University had brought a lot of discomforts to a majority within the community. While the feud lasted, many of us admittedly bore painfully some deprivations simply because the University willingly remained independent of the main body of ASUU.”
READ ALSO:Breaking….. VC reveals 19 major research discoveries by UNILORIN in 12months
He further stressed that, “There is also no doubt that our well-wishers and stakeholders would have been very apprehensive about the sustainability of the stability we had enjoyed for more than two decades because of our detachment from the main ASUU, now that our local ASUU has joined the mainstream at the national level.
“The fear is, indeed, expected. But let me allay the fear by disclosing that we now have a unanimously elected and inclusive local ASUU leadership and executives that are deeply embedded with the Unilorin spirit of selflessness; that believe in constructive struggle rather than destructive agitation; that share the University aspiration; that valorise the glory that the University had accumulatively gained over some years; and that will not want such glory to carelessly fritter away.
“I particularly respect and believe in the strong-will, purposiveness, strength of character and independent-mindedness of the Chairman of the restructured ASUU on our campus, Professor M.S. Ajao. I also rely on the behind-the-scene mentoring and guidance of the Elder’s Forum of ASUU on our campus, which, I believe, will help in mediating for enduring peace and sustainability of stability on our campus in spite of our integration with the national ASUU.” READ ALSO:I remain Kogi Deputy Governor— Simon Achuba
While charting ways for the future of the varsity and the union, Prof. AbdulKareem said: “I presented my opinion, and stand of the University, on the incessant strike actions to the representatives of the national ASUU while they were here to broker peace that finally reconciled us.
“As I boldly advised, although ASUU’s roles in ensuring access, quality and effective education as well as its effective management of higher education, cannot be overemphasised, the time is now to ensure enduring academic stability on our campuses by changing their old-fashioned style of agitations. READ ALSO:Kogi guber race: 13 political parties back late Audu’s widow for governor
“I share a view that the confrontational tactics that brought ASUU success during the military era have become largely unnecessary, and could usefully give way to a more service oriented role in support of union members; otherwise they might soon lose their hard-won credibility with the general public.
“I believe the National Executives of ASUU are reflecting on this instructive advice. If it is heeded; then, the fears about the sustainability of the stability of our calendar, which had stood out for more than two decades, might be unwarranted. All things being equal, I implore other Unions on campus to take a cue from such non-confrontational and selfless postures.”
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