EXCLUSIVE: ASUU, Management at loggerhead over LAUTECH resumption date for students

The management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LAUTECH chapter are currently at loggerheads over resumption date for students. 

Mouthpiece NGR reports that the institution, through its Registrar, K.A Ogunleye had on Wednesday released a mail informing students that resumption of academic activities start on Wednesday, December 9 and Harmattan Semester Examination for 100 level students begins December 14. 

Ogunleye in the statement entitled, “Notice to all staff and students on amended academic calendar for 2019/2020 Academic Session”,  added that Harmattan Semester Examination for 100 level students ends December 23 while Rain Semester begins Jan 4, 2021 for all students.  

He said “This is to inform all staff and students of the university that the Vice Chancellor on behalf of Senate has executively approved the amended academic calendar for the 2019/2020 academic session as presented by the Committee of Provost and Deans. 

“Please ensure that you keep safe and observe all the necessary Covid-19 protocols as laid down by the Government and the University.”

“On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof.  M. O. Ologunde, I wish all staff and students a hitch and Covid-19 free academic session.”

However, ASUU LAUTECH chapter while reacting to the management’s directive on resumption, declared that the ongoing ASUU strike was still in force.

ASUU in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr. Biodun Olaniran, a copy which was made available to Mouthpiece NGR , urged parents and students to note that its members are not in position to conduct any academic activities including the conduct of examinations. 

Olaniran in the statement entitled, “ASUU LAUTECH Dissociates Its Self From Release Academic Calendar”, said, “Our Union is in receipt of 2019/2020 amended Academic Calendar released by the Vice Chancellor through the office of the registrar”. 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities LUTECH branch wishes to dissociates itself from the said memo. This is against the principles of our union and we wish to inform the general public that our branch is actively participating and also in full support of the ongoing national struggle.”

Mouthpiece NGR understands that the development has thrown students into confusion. 

However, The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Akeem Ige while speaking to our correspondent, assured that the 100level examination will be conducted before the end of this year. 

Ige said the university is already working to resolve the situation.