The three main unions at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State are not on the same page over the appointment of a new vice chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami for the university.
While the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, (ASUU), Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife branch, Dr. Caleb Aborisade supports Salami’s appointment, the Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, OAU branch, Ile-Ife,, Mr Wole Odewumi is against the appointment.
ASUU’s Aborisade said the action of the Council to appoint Prof.Ayobami Salami was in order as it has not breached any rules.
The Don added that among the six candidates that vied for the top post; Salami rated highest and the process for his appointment followed due process.
On SSANU and NASU protest over the new VC; he said, ‘I don’t even know what they are fighting for’.
The new VC serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics to the outgoing VC,Professor Tale Omole who ceases to be OAU VC as from 23rd June,2016.
SSANU and NASU meanwhile are still protesting Salami’s appointment.
Odewumi said since NASU had challenged the selection of new VC in court, it was surprised that the OAU governing council violated the rule of law.
“We will not allow anybody to pronounce himself as VC, until the determination of the court, for there had been legal tussle on the position.
” The Non- teaching staff of the University, including Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) had kicked against the procedure for the selection.
“That was why workers yesterday embarked on protest against the choice of Prof. Salami.
” We all say capital No to Prof Salami as new OAU VC, for he was sponsored to replace Prof. Bamitale Omole “to cover his misdeeds in office”, he alleged.
Odewumi called on the federal government to order the governing council to start selection screening afresh.
On his part, the Public Relations Officer of OAU, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju,urged the aggrieved members of SSANU and NASU to channel their grievances to appropriate quarters.
Meanwhile, all offices remain under lock and keys till further notice.