ASUU Lagos Zone calls on Ambode to set up panel of enquiry over LASU crisis

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos Zone,  has called on the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, to set up an independent panel of enquiry, to investigate the unfolding crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU).

Just as it demanded the recall of 150 members of the union sacked by the Kogi State Governor, Mr. Bello Yahaya, last July, at the Kogi State University, Anyigba.

The Union said the dismissal of the LASU ASUU chairperson and his vice chairperson, Dr. Isaac Oyewunmi and Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu respectively, from the service of the university was unjust.

This was disclosed by the ASUU Lagos zonal coordinator, Dr. Olusiji Sowande, while addressing newsmen on the theme “Impunity and Crude Political Onslaught On Our Union in Lagos and Kogi State Universities”, that this action was a way of decimating the union.

Sowande, flanked by chairmen of other ASUU branch under the zone, explained that a letter had been written to Ambode, over alleged lack of tolerance, impunity and maladministration of the institution’s vice chancellor,  Professor Lanre Fagbohun.

He said, “The crisis in LASU is multi-faceted. It has some root causes and that is why we are asking that a Panel of Enquiry be set up to investigate the major cause of problems in the school.

“ASUU, Lagos Zone joins the Education Right Campaign (ERC) in calling for an independent panel of enquiry on the unfolding crisis in LASU with a view to resolving it before the crisis becomes a monster that will be difficult to curtail.

“We call on Governor of Lagos State,  Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to call some of his functionaries to order as there are evidences that they are working in tandem with the Vice Chancellor of LASU and some members of the Governing Council to fuel the crisis

“We are convinced that the Governor would not want these few people to soil the good reputation of his administration. The general public and well meaning Nigerians are called upon to prevail on the authorities in LASU to tread the path of honour and put a stop to this high level of impunity and lawlessness. “

The Union also called for the reversal of the 100 per cent increase in acceptance fee by the university administration, insisting that the union and other interest groups in state would resist the increment until it is reversed.

On the sack of its members in KSU, ASUU, said the action of Governor Bello was condemnable.

“The arrogant display of power and abuse of office by Mr. Yahaya Bello speaks volume about the extent to which political office holders could go to crush any perceived opposition, in their bid to emasculate and enslave Nigerians on order to fulfil the well orchestrated plan to destroy the educational system,” the union leader added.