Professor Olu Akeusola: Lecturers begin strike

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija, Epe Chapter on Monday declared an indefinite strike and staged a peaceful protest around the college.

The Chairman of the ‎Union, Mr Michael Adefuye said the strike was declared as a result of the non-implementation of the union’s demands by the College authorities.

Adefuye said the union had served the college management an initial 21-‎day ultimatum, followed by a 14-day ultimatum and lastly a 7-day ultimatum on April 11.

He said the management ignored the ultimatums sent by the union to them and did not invite the union for any dialogue.

“Following the ultimatum and notice of indefinite strike action served on the Management dated April 11, 2016, the Chapter’s Executive Council ‎(CEC) convened an emergency congress on April 14 and discussed the inevitability of the industrial dispute.

“We the COEASU, MOCPED chapter hereby release the under listed burning issues on our campus to the general public for the ‎commencement of indefinite strike action, ‘’ he said.

According to him, the union was demanding for the payment of over 43 months un-remitted pensions to the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) ‎after the State Government increased the subvention in 2013.

Adefuye said the government also provided a financial bail-out in 2013 ‎to enable the college’s management fulfill the financial responsibilities.

According to him, the college’s management was expected to remit Tax and PFA to appropriate government agencies but the bailout was not properly disbursed to meet its purpose.

The Chairman said sequel to the non-remittance of the fund, the retirement benefits of retired members and deceased ‎staff had not been paid or updated.

Adefuye said there were also cases of appointment of some individuals into position ‎of authorities without due regard to the College’s edict and enabling law.

He said the Management had also collapsed the degree programmes with Ekiti State University (EKSU), while others such as Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) and Federal College of Education, Akoka, affiliates were flourishing.