The PUNCH reported last year that the university management proscribed all the staff unions in the institution.
BOUESTI spokesman, Mr Temitope Akinbisoye, said that the three staff unions in the university – Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Research Institutes – were proscribed on August 4, 2022, on the orders of the state government.
Akinbisoye explained that the proscription followed the assault on the Vice-Chancellor and the Bursar of the institution by some leaders of the unions after the government reviewed the appointments of the former Registrar and the University librarian.
The university spokesman, who made the clarification in a statement, titled, ‘BOUESTI debunks news of looming labour crisis’, made available in Ado Ekiti on Monday, also added that the step was taken to stem the unions’ activities which were inimical to peace, progress and development.
He stated that the school’s counsel had responded to a letter from SSANU’s legal representatives recently alleging illegal proscription, confiscation of union’s property, among others.
BOUESTI clarified it directed that the proscribed unions’ vehicles be parked at the university’s vehicle pool for safety following complaints by staff that a few individuals had converted the vehicles to personal use, claiming to be working for non-existing unions.
Akinbisoye declared that the report of impending industrial crisis in the institution was unfounded and an attempt to blackmail the school
He stated, “BOUESTI is one of the most peaceful institutions in Nigeria. Since its establishment in 2020, the university has maintained a proud record of unbroken academic calendar.”
The spokesperson, who said that the university’s doors were open for discussions, advised the national leadership of SSANU “to ensure that virile, visionary and cerebral members mount the saddle of the association in BOUESTI as soon as the embargo on union activities is lifted lest the fingers of the association are soiled again in the avoidable oil of malfeasance”.
