Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the release of N1.1 billion as a special intervention fund to the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), to offset outstanding salary arrears owed to members of staff of the institution.
The intervention, according to the state government, is aimed at addressing the financial challenges confronting the university and resolving the ongoing industrial dispute by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that has disrupted academic activities at the institution.
The approval was part of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, promoting the welfare of workers and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching, learning and research in the state-owned university.
The governor has consequently directed the state Ministry of Finance and the management of AAUA to ensure the prompt release and disbursement of the approved funds for the settlement of the outstanding salary obligations.
The intervention is also expected to pave the way for the resolution of the issues that led to the industrial action and facilitate the immediate restoration of normal academic activities on the university campus.
Aiyedatiwa, while appealing to the relevant workers’ unions to consider the intervention as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to resolving the salary crisis, urged them to suspend the strike and return to work in the interest of the students and the overall development of the institution
The governor reiterated his administration’s belief that the welfare and motivation of workers remain critical to the success of any educational institution, stressing that a well-motivated workforce is indispensable to the development of a world-class university capable of competing favourably with institutions globally.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to creating the necessary conditions for the sustainable growth and development of AAUA, while ensuring that students receive quality education without unnecessary disruptions to the academic calendar.
“The N1.1 billion intervention is therefore expected to provide significant relief to staff affected by the salary arrears, restore confidence among the university community and contribute to the speedy resolution of the lingering industrial dispute.
The development underscores our administration’s renewed focus on education and workers’ welfare as key pillars of its agenda to reposition the state’s tertiary institutions and enhance human capital development,” Aiyedatiwa said.