OAUSTECH Staff Unions Declare Protest, Allege Illegal Tenure of Council Chair Akinbo Adesomoju
Staff unions at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, have declared a two-day protest and challenged the continued stay in office of the institution’s Governing Council Chairman, Akinbo Adesomoju, describing his tenure as illegal and contrary to the university’s governing law.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after a congress of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) made up of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and National Association of Academic Technologists, held on Wednesday at the university auditorium.
The unions said their congress “critically examined the continued occupation of office” by Prof. Adesomoju and found it inconsistent with provisions of the Ondo State law establishing the university. According to them, the law provides that a Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council shall hold office for four years and may only be reappointed for one further term of four years.
“The maximum allowable tenure under the law is therefore eight years,” the communiqué stated.
JAC said records available to it show that Adesomoju was first appointed in March 2008 and later reappointed in subsequent years, including 2018 and 2022, and has remained in office without a formal dissolution of Council.
“Congress therefore resolved that the continued occupation of the office beyond the legally permissible tenure constitutes a breach of the university’s governing statute,” the unions said. “Consequently, any Council meeting convened or presided over after the expiration of the statutory tenure is, in the view of Congress, null, void and of no legal effect.”
The unions called on members of Council to advise the chairman to step aside, saying doing so would “restore legality, institutional order and good governance in the university.”
They also announced plans to embark on a two-day peaceful protest scheduled for Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, 2026.
“In view of the foregoing and Council’s insistence on its directive regarding the mode of communication, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on a two-day peaceful protest,” the communiqué said, adding that all members of the three unions were directed to participate fully.
The unions, however, clarified that staff assigned to duties for the university’s forthcoming convocation ceremony must continue to carry out their responsibilities.
“Congress emphasized that while lawful union actions shall continue, members assigned to convocation-related duties must discharge such responsibilities professionally in the overall interest of the university and its students,” the statement added.
JAC further reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, stating that it remains open to constructive engagement but would not compromise on “legality, transparency and statutory compliance.”
