The Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), is in mourning as a student suffering from asthma tragically lost his life due to the repercussions of the ongoing industrial action by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), as revealed by the officials.
The management of FUOYE, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Tajudeen Opoola, addressed the media to disclose the unfortunate demise of the asthmatic student, citing the university being under lock and key as the reason he could not receive immediate medical attention.
Blaming SSANU for the total shutdown of activities within the institution, the university management pointed out that other universities did not experience the same level of closure as FUOYE. Opoola warned against allowing lawlessness to prevail under the guise of strike actions and emphasized the need for urgent resolution.
In a rebuttal to the accusations, SSANU Chairman Oluwaseun Faleye accused Vice-Chancellor Sunday Fasina of intimidation tactics due to the union’s refusal to grant concessions, highlighting a clash in perspectives between the management and the striking staff members.
Faleye detailed instances of alleged intimidation and assault by security personnel, indicating a tense atmosphere within the university premises amid the strike action. The discord between the university management and the union representatives underscores the complexities of the ongoing strike and its impact on the academic community.
The tragic loss of the FUOYE student serves as a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of industrial disputes within educational institutions, shedding light on the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to prevent further harm and disruptions to the academic environment.
