The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) chapter, has rejected any suggestion that the Ondo State Government’s reported 60 per cent increase in subvention to the three state-owned universities is enough to resolve the issues behind its ongoing industrial action.
The union said the development, which has been widely circulated, does not address all the grievances that prompted its current action.
In a statement signed by the Chairperson of ASUU OAUSTECH, Comrade Ogunbamike Oluwatoyin Kehinde, the union acknowledged the reported increase in government funding but stressed that its demands remain unresolved.
The union explained that it had embarked on a full-scale industrial action over several outstanding issues, with its demands already clearly outlined in previous circulars issued to members and relevant stakeholders.
According to ASUU OAUSTECH, the reported increase in subvention cannot be treated as a comprehensive solution to the dispute or as a basis for calling off the strike.
The union consequently declared that its industrial action remains “total, comprehensive, and indefinite” until all its agitations are addressed.
“Let it be known that the industrial action remains total, comprehensive, and indefinite until ALL our agitations are met,” the union stated.
The declaration effectively means that academic activities affected by the industrial action are expected to remain disrupted, despite the reported intervention by the state government.
ASUU OAUSTECH further warned its members against being distracted by what it described as half-measures or misinformation concerning the ongoing struggle.
It urged members to remain focused, resolute and steadfast, insisting that the union would not retreat from its demands until a satisfactory resolution was reached.
The union stated emphatically: “No retreat. No surrender.”
The development comes amid efforts by the Ondo State Government to increase funding to its three state-owned universities, with the reported 60 per cent increase said to be aimed at supporting the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria-ASUU Agreement.
However, ASUU OAUSTECH maintained that increased funding alone does not settle all the issues contained in its demands.
The union therefore called on its members to maintain solidarity and remain committed to the industrial action until the outstanding issues are fully resolved.
“The struggle continues until victory is won,” the union declared.
The statement was signed by Comrade Ogunbamike Oluwatoyin Kehinde, Chairperson, ASUU OAUSTECH, who concluded the message with a call for unity among members: “United we stand.”