FUOYE VC reveals ongoing efforts to reconcile ASUU and CONUA

Prof Abayomi Fasina, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye Ekiti, disclosed that concerted efforts are underway by elders within the academic community to reconcile the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA). Fasina assured that those reveling in the division within the ranks of university academics would soon be disappointed.

Speaking at the leadership retreat organized by FUOYE’s Division of Students’ Affairs in Ede on Monday, Fasina emphasized the need for diplomacy over confrontation in resolving issues. He pointed out that the ASUU leadership should glean valuable lessons from the crises leading to the formation of CONUA.

Fasina stated, “I know that ASUU has also learnt from this (division). We must be diplomatic and not be too rigid in our approach. The lesson is that we don’t need to be rigid. Listen to other people’s opinions, don’t be confrontational because other people are also looking.”

Highlighting the importance of unity within the academic family, he urged against destructive tendencies arising from disagreements. Fasina expressed confidence that the matter of ASUU and CONUA would eventually be addressed, emphasizing the ongoing efforts by elders to bring the two groups together.

Commending President Bola Tinubu for ordering the removal of federal tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Fasina acknowledged the relief this directive brings to ASUU. The removal from IPPIS aligns with ASUU’s stance on autonomy for universities in the country, ending a prolonged dispute with the Federal Government.

The collaborative efforts to reconcile ASUU and CONUA signal a positive step towards fostering unity and cooperation within the academic community.