By Otitoju Femi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has held what members described as a historic congress, with the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, and other principal officers in attendance.
The congress, which was held at the New Faculty of Science Auditorium of the university, marked the first time, according to the union, that the Vice-Chancellor and principal officers of FUOYE attended its congress.
Prof. Ogunwole attended the gathering in two capacities: as the Chief Executive Officer of the university and as an associate or ceremonial member of SSANU, a status conferred on him by the leadership of the union under the National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim.
The Vice-Chancellor arrived at the venue while the branch chairman, Comrade Faleye, was delivering his welcome address. His arrival was greeted with solidarity songs, loud applause and a standing ovation from members of the union.
Speaking against the backdrop of the excitement at the congress, Comrade Faleye expressed appreciation to the university management for responding positively to some of the demands earlier raised by the union.
He said, “All agitations arising from the past congress have been approved by the university management. Agitations such as the 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowances, CONTA arrears, and the appointment of non-teaching staff to offices statutorily meant for them, including the positions of Directors and Deputy Directors, have been addressed.”
The branch chairman further explained that the cordial relationship between SSANU and the university management had provided the union with an avenue to communicate the concerns and welfare needs of its members directly to the Vice-Chancellor.
“Being an associate member of SSANU, we have used that opportunity to make our demands known and answered because the Vice-Chancellor is a father who listens. He is a passionate father who is concerned about the welfare of staff,” Faleye said.
He expressed optimism that the administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of workers and prayed for the success of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.
Comrade Faleye added, “We pray that this administration will not fail, and FUOYE shall be great again.”
In his address, Prof. Ogunwole described SSANU as a critical component of the university’s workforce, saying the institution could not function effectively without the contributions of its non-teaching staff.
The Vice-Chancellor said he was delighted to attend the congress and commended the union for its role in sustaining the university, particularly during periods of industrial and administrative challenges.
“SSANU is the engine room of FUOYE. It is my pleasure to be here. I was not able to be at the last congress, but I was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola.
“We thank and appreciate SSANU for holding forth. If you did not hold forth, there will be no FUOYE,” Prof. Ogunwole said.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of responsible leadership, saying those occupying leadership positions should see themselves as servants rather than masters.
He explained that leadership should be measured by its ability to improve the lives of the people being led, urging members of the university community to embrace open communication and transparency.
“Leadership is about putting smiles on the faces of humanity. It is about making people better than you met them. I want you to know that we are not the boss; we are servants.
“That is why, if we do not do what is expected at the expected time, it is expected of us to communicate with you because it is good to be open and transparent,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting the country and the university, saying the management was aware of the financial pressures being experienced by members of staff.
He said the university’s resources had to be managed prudently and transparently for the benefit of the entire university community.
“We realised that we cannot misbehave with our resources. We are supposed to manage them on your behalf. I must apologise because we know that the economy is harsh and, unfortunately, the university is passing through economic hardship. I feel things are hard,” Prof. Ogunwole said.
He, however, assured the workers that the administration remained committed to addressing outstanding financial obligations to staff within the resources available to the institution.
“This administration is yours. I am assuring you that CONTA will be paid. We will accelerate everything with the little available resources we have, and we will start the payment,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the issue of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowances would be taken before the university’s Governing Council for consideration and approval.
He added that the administration would also seek the council’s approval for the payment of a 13th-month salary.
“We will also take the matter of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowances to the council for approval and also seek approval for the 13th-month salary,” he explained.
Prof. Ogunwole also emphasised the importance of trade unions to the survival and development of the university, saying management could not afford to disregard their contributions.
He recalled a period when the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff (NANTS) were having issues, saying he had challenged SSANU to intervene in the interest of the institution.
“When NASU and NANTS were having issues, I challenged SSANU and asked them to intervene, and they did,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to urge SSANU members and other sister unions in the university to remain forward-looking and accommodate members of the university community who were not affiliated with the union, stressing that the different categories of staff depended on one another for the smooth running of the institution.
“Let us be forward-looking and accommodate people outside the unions because, in one way or the other, they depend on you. Doing that will make you people of integrity and maturity,” Ogunwole advised.
The gathering also provided an avenue for the union and university management to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding and the continued development of FUOYE.
Photo Credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
