From: Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to set up a visitation panel to probe the management of state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
ASUU, in a letter addressed to the governor, said the call became necessary because of the myriads of infractions committed at the institution since the last visitation exercise carried out by the immediate past administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko eight years ago.
In the letter, which was signed by the Chairman of the university’s branch of ASUU, Dr. Sola Fayose entitled “Dangerous dimensions and manifestations in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and the need for urgent intervention,” the university teachers asked the state government to act fast before issues get out of hand in the institution.
“The visitation panel should investigate the use of Ad hoc committee to replace Academic Programme Committee. Tampering with the NUC Approved Academic Programmes without recourse to the NUC which is the template for any sound and valid academic Programme in the Nigerian Universities.”
“Suspension and recommending ASUU leadership and Congress members for termination of appointment in utter disregard to the non-victimization clause as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding reached for the suspension of the July to October, 2016 withdrawal of service action meant to press for the payment of several months salaries and deductions.”
ASUU also alleged the university’s Vice Chancellor of disregarding a recommendation of the last visitation panel that nobody that is above 70 years should be appointed as an employee of the university.
“Appointment of Prof. Adebayo Babatunde Aromolaran who was dismissed from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, into the University to destabilise the fledgling Faculty of Agriculture.
“Prof. Aromolaran has not been involved in academic activities for almost 10 years. He was working with an NGO outside the country before his appointment,” ASUU posited.
The letter reads further “Illegal transfer of academic staff by Management, presided over by the vice chancellor should be investigated. His use of a Horticulturist to head the University Works and Services department when there are competent Engineers, Architects and Surveyors.”
It added that “Illegal recruitment of academic and non academic staff by the authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, without following laid down procedures for employment needs to be investigated.
ASSU in its letter also demanded that “the procurement of ₦650 million Science equipment that is obsolete should as well be investigated by the state government.”