Breaking News: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State has called off its four-month-long strike! This announcement marks a significant development for students and faculty alike, signaling a potential return to normalcy after a prolonged period of disruption.
The strike, which began in August, was initiated by ASUU members due to the non-payment of salaries and outstanding arrears. The lecturers were essentially withholding their services, impacting all academic activities within the university. This action was a direct response to the financial constraints faced by the institution, as the government was unable to meet its financial obligations.
Comrade Bolawaji Oshodi, the Chairman of the AAUA ASUU chapter, confirmed the suspension of the strike in an interview. He revealed that the decision to resume academic activities came after an agreement was reached with the university management.
"For now, we have suspended the strike. Everything is based on the agreement we had with the university management. Management has been very supportive, too, and we understand." Oshodi stated.
However, the situation isn't entirely resolved. Oshodi also mentioned that the lecturers are still owed one month's salary. "We are still being owed one month salary, but based on our love for the system and our students, we have resolved to suspend the strike," he explained. This highlights the dedication of the lecturers, who prioritized the students' education despite their financial struggles.
ASUU AAUA had previously issued a formal letter, signed by Oshodi and the union's secretary, Olusegun Taiwo, officially notifying the university of their withdrawal of services. The letter, which followed a congress decision on August 21, 2025, clearly stated the reasons for the strike: the non-payment of salaries and arrears.
The union had also communicated with both the university management and the state government, but the issues persisted. The lecturers had resorted to a "total strike" to emphasize their demands.
"But to be sincere, the major problem we are facing is funding. The state government is not funding the university. As I speak now, we are being owed two months’ salaries (July and August)." Oshodi explained. "This is aside several arrears, promotion arrears, essence workload and others running into billions. The state government is not forthcoming. So, we made up our minds that until everything is addressed, we’re not going back."
But here's where it gets controversial... The core issue seems to be the state government's lack of funding for the university. This raises the question of whether the government is prioritizing education adequately.
What do you think about the ASUU's decision to suspend the strike despite still being owed a month's salary? Do you believe the government should have prioritized the payment of salaries and arrears? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
