Adekunle Ajasin University’s Vice Chancellor Mimiko Caves To Pressure And Reinstates ASUU Leader And Members

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Chairman, Dr. Busuyi Mekusi and five other members of the union were back at work on Monday at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, following a four-month strike.

In a letter from the University's registrar, R.T. Olotu, union members were told the University had withdrawn their suspensions and directed them to resume their academic work immediately.

Four months ago, lecturers went on strike calling for better working conditions and petitioned for the removal of the AAUA's Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Mimiko claiming threats and intimidation of union members.  

SaharaReporters broke the story in January when the University's security, under the orders of the Vice Chancellor, attacked union members when they tried to hold a meeting at the University.  During the scuffle, ASUU Chairman Mekusi was injured on the ankle.  Former Ondo State Commissioner, Patrick Dukumor asked the Akunga Divisional Police to investigate the assault.  That investigation that is still pending.

Following the assault, several high level meetings took place between AAUA and the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU headed by former National President Professor Dipo Fasina of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) over the impasse between lecturers and management. 

ASUU members' counsel, Barrister Titiloye Charles aggressively fought the suspension, but since their reinstatement union members asked him to withdraw further legal actions against the University.

Vice Chancellor Mimiko is currently away from the University.  It is reported his older brother, Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, hand picked him to be one of the delegates to represent the State at the National Conference in Abuja.