OSUN GOVERNMENT DEFENDS UNIOSUN’S COMPLIANCE WITH FGN-ASUU AGREEMENT

The Osun State Government has rejected claims by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) concerning the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), insisting that the institution is among the leading universities implementing the agreement. The government said it was particularly surprised that ASUU recently commended several state governments for beginning implementation of the agreement but failed to acknowledge Osun State’s efforts.

In a statement issued by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government said UNIOSUN had started implementing the agreement even before the Federal Government and had also commenced payment of the applicable salary arrears. It noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke was the second governor, after his Ekiti State counterpart, to approve the implementation of the relevant salary adjustment. The state described the omission of Osun from ASUU’s list of states making progress on the agreement as surprising and said its records at UNIOSUN demonstrated its commitment to staff welfare.

The government also rejected any suggestion that it had neglected the welfare of academic staff at the university or failed to meet its obligations under the agreement. It acknowledged that ASUU had raised concerns about outstanding issues within the federal university system, including unpaid portions of withheld salaries and unremitted deductions, but argued that it was unfair to create the impression that the same situation existed at UNIOSUN. According to the state, the payment of applicable arrears and implementation of the salary adjustment showed that it had taken concrete steps to address the concerns of academic staff.

Another major issue raised by the Osun Government was the legal status of UNIOSUN and the legislation governing the university. The government rejected ASUU’s claim that the Osun State University Law was simply a domesticated version of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2012. It explained that UNIOSUN has its own establishment law enacted by the Osun State House of Assembly and is therefore governed by that legislation and the statutory framework covering the Visitor, Governing Council and other recognised authorities of the institution.

The government further defended the legislative process surrounding the tenure of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, saying the matter was not an arbitrary executive decision but followed the authority provided under Osun State law. It said the Osun State House of Assembly exercised its legislative powers to amend relevant provisions of the university’s establishment law following a decision by the Visitor. The state maintained that UNIOSUN remains functional and focused on teaching, research, innovation and community service, while calling on ASUU to base future statements on facts, evidence and applicable laws. It added that it remained open to constructive discussions with the union but would continue to defend the authority of the legally constituted institutions responsible for the university’s administration.