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Ignore ASUU’s Threat To Disrupt Council Meeting – UNILAG

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The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Governing Council, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin has called for the disregard of threats by the leadership of the University’ chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to disrupt the forthcoming governing council’s meeting.

In a statement, signed by the school’s registrar, who doubles as Secretary to the council, Oladejo Azeez, Babalakin noted that his attention has been drawn to the notice of congress by the University’s chapter of ASUU, scheduled for July 15, 2020 at the Foyer of the Council Chambers.

According to him, their own date came after the Governing Council had issued a notice for council meeting commencing on the same July 15, 2020.

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He noted that the council meeting, apart from it being compulsory, it was also scheduled by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe.

In a statement earlier released by the chairman of UNILAG ASUU, Dr. Dele Ashiru, he had threatened a disruption of activities of the Pro-Chancellor if he shows up on campus.

He added that Babalakin would be held responsible if there is any disruption on campus.

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Ashiru said the union had mobilised to oppose the council meeting being called by Babalakin on the campus. “The attention of our union has been drawn to a surreptitious Council meeting summoned by Dr. Wale Babalakin. He should be advised to rethink his intention of entering the University of Lagos campus as his presence may rupture the long cherished peace and tranquillity on our campus “

He should also be held squarely responsible for any breakdown of law and order which his presence on our campus may create as all our members in the University have been fully mobilised and put on alert,” he reiterated.

Reacting in a statement, the Pro-Chancellor said “This action is violently against the provision of Section 41, subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (Fourth Alteration), which guarantees freedom of movement of Nigerians within Nigeria. ASUU as a trade union under the laws of Nigeria is also expected to know that Section 4 of the Trade Union Act states that ‘No person shall subject any other person to any form of constraint or restriction in the course of persuasion’,”

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“Obviously, ASUU, University of Lagos Chapter has shown clearly that it is a group that does not adhere to the Constitution of Nigeria or the Trade Union law which it is a part of. As a responsible Council, we will not engage the union on issues that are beyond its duties, powers and responsibilities under the laws of Nigeria,” the statement reads.