ASUU

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

A major crisis looms at Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma, following an alleged attempt by authorities of the institution to force striking lecturers to resume classes.

The varsity’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, was also alleged to have asked all Deans and HODs to implement a “no-work-no-pay” rule, just as he was said to have asked students to return to school.

The institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), however, kicks, saying that only its national body can call off the strike.

Chairman of ASUU, AAU branch, Dr. Monday Igbafen, who said whereas, AAU benefitted N1.4 million from Tetfund last year as a result of ASUU struggle, condemned the alleged attempt, describing it as the management’s “desperate attempt to reopen the school.”

He alleged that “the VC has raised a kind of alternative union (Congress of Academic Staff) that is not known to law.

“And the latest now is that the VC is developing a kind of strategy laced with intimidation and blackmail to force our members to resume.

“Some lecturers have already compromised, and the union’s sanction would be applied accordingly,” Igbafe stated.