Professor Ayodeji Agboola, VC, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
A row has broken out at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, following the cancellation of the “two days off” work policy, which was earlier introduced to ease the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies. Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) staged a protest at the university gate on Tuesday, accusing management of acting unilaterally.
However, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ayodeji Agboola stated that the decision was made by the University’s Governing Council at its 219th meeting, following an assessment that the policy disrupted workflow and reduced productivity. He explained that the unions were invited to several meetings to discuss the matter, but SSANU and NASU refused to attend.
Professor Agboola added that a special transport allowance already addressed the hardship that prompted the policy. “The insistence on two days off lacks economic justification,” he said, noting that all OOU staff earn higher salaries than their federal counterparts.
He denied claims of victimisation, insisting no staff had been sacked in his three years in office. The vice-chancellor appealed for cooperation, saying he remains open to dialogue with the union leaders.
