The University of Lagos has advised Nigerians to ignore the threat by its chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to disrupt the Governing Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
ASUU’s threat, the university said, was a violation of the constitution of Nigeria which guarantees freedom of movement and would be resisted.
In its reaction contained in a statement issued on Sunday by its registrar and secretary to the council, Oladejo Azeez, the university gave the assurance that protection would be provided under the laws of the country particularly in view of the threat.
His words: “Obviously, ASUU, University of Lagos Chapter has shown clearly that it is a group that does not adhere to the Constitution of Nigeria or the Trade Union law which it is a part of.
“As a responsible Council, we will not engage ASUU, University of Lagos branch on issues that are beyond its duties, powers and responsibilities under the laws of Nigeria.
“We therefore advice all law abiding Nigerians to discountenance the action of the leadership of ASUU, University of Lagos branch and go about their legitimate duties as they will be protected under the laws of the federation.”
The statement reads: “The attention of the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Bolanle Olawale Babalakin , SAN has been drawn to the notice of Congress by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos branch, scheduled for Wednesday , 15th of July , 2020 at the Foyer of the Council Chambers.
“I have the instruction of the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council to inform members of the University Community and the general public as follows:
- It is important to note that Council had earlier issued a notice for the Council Meeting commencing on the same 15th of July 2020.
- This Council Meeting, apart from being statutory was also requisitioned by the Vice Chancellor of the University.
- The Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe , FAS recently requisitioned the meeting to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Wale Babalakin on May 11, 2020 and June 26, 2020 respectively.
- The time and topic by ASUU for their Congress clearly indicate its plan ASUU to disrupt the Council Meeting, especially since it has issued several threats to prevent the Pro Chancellor from coming to the University.
- This action is violently against the provision of Section 41, subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (Fourth Alteration), which guarantees freedom of movement of Nigerians within Nigeria.
- ASUU as a trade union under the laws of Nigeria is also expected to know that Section 4 of the Trade Union Act states that “No person shall subject any other person to any form of constraint or restriction in the course of persuasion.”
- Obviously, ASUU, University of Lagos Chapter has shown clearly that it is a group that does not adhere to the Constitution of Nigeria or the Trade Union law which it is a part of.
- As a responsible Council, we will not engage ASUU, University of Lagos branch on issues that are beyond its duties, powers and responsibilities under the laws of Nigeria.
- We therefore advice all law abiding Nigerians to discountenance the action of the leadership of ASUU, University of Lagos branch and go about their legitimate duties as they will be protected under the laws of the federation.
