OSUN GOVT TO ASUU: UNIOSUN IS A LEADING IMPLEMENTER OF THE FGN-ASUU AGREEMENT.

●Says Uniosun Law is not a Domesticated Version of Federal Universities Act

OSOGBO – 12/09/2026 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to the Press Release issued by the National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the end of its emergency meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, 5 September 2026, particularly the portions relating to the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria–ASUU Agreement and the governance of Osun State University (UNIOSUN).

While the Osun State Government respects the constitutional and statutory rights of ASUU to express its views and advocate for the welfare of its members, it is necessary to correct certain misleading impressions contained in the Union’s statement, especially where such claims concern the commitment and performance of the Osun State Government.

It is particularly curious that ASUU’s statement, while commending a number of State governments for commencing implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, failed to acknowledge the demonstrable efforts of the Osun State Government in this regard.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Osun State Government has implemented the Federal Government/ASUU agreement at Osun State University, even before the Federal Government and has also commenced payment of the applicable arrears. It is on record that Governor Ademola Adeleke is the second to approve the salary, after Ekiti State. The omission of Osun State from ASUU’s commendation of States that have commenced implementation is therefore surprising and inexplicable. The Osun State government considers this ommission as mischief. Our commitment to staff welfare is unparalleled and the records in our University speak to this claim.

The Osun State Government therefore rejects any insinuation that it has been indifferent to the welfare of academic staff or that it has failed to honour its obligations under the agreement.

Indeed, while ASUU itself acknowledges that several issues remain outstanding in the Federal University system, including unpaid portions of withheld salaries and deductions, it is unfair to create the impression that Osun State has adopted a similar posture towards its own university.

The Osun State Government also finds it necessary to correct a fundamental misconception in ASUU’s statement concerning the legal status of Osun State University.

ASUU claimed that the Osun State University Law is a domesticated version of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2012, and proceeded to build its argument on that premise.That assertion is incorrect.

Osun State University has its own Establishment Law enacted by the Osun State House of Assembly. The University is therefore governed by its enabling legislation and the statutory framework applicable to its organs, including the Visitor, the Governing Council and other duly constituted authorities of the institution.

Consequently, the attempt by ASUU to present the Federal Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act as though it is the controlling legislation for UNIOSUN is legally misconceived. The University does not derive its existence, powers and governance structure from the Federal Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. Its institutional framework is founded on its own enabling law. This distinction is not merely semantic. It is fundamental to any serious legal analysis of the governance of UNIOSUN.

The Osun State Government further rejects the suggestion that the decision concerning the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor was an arbitrary executive action designed to circumvent the law.

The issue has been subjected to the appropriate constitutional and legislative process, permitted within the provisions of the legislation in Osun State. Following the decision of the Visitor, the Osun State House of Assembly exercised its legislative authority to amend the relevant provisions of the Osun State University Establishment Law.

The government therefore finds it difficult to understand the basis upon which ASUU, a trade union, seeks to substitute its interpretation for that of the constitutionally empowered institutions of government.

A law made by the legislature can, subject to the Constitution and applicable legislative procedure, be amended by the legislature.

It is therefore misleading to describe the legislative intervention as an attempt to undermine the rule of law. On the contrary, the legislative amendment is itself an exercise of the rule of law.

The Osun State Government remains committed to due process, constitutional governance and the supremacy of law.

The Osun State Government is particularly concerned about the attempt to frame the UNIOSUN issue as an existential crisis capable of precipitating industrial action.

UNIOSUN remains open, functional and focused on its core mandates of teaching, research, innovation and community service.

There is therefore no basis for portraying Osun State University as an institution in crisis or a bad example. We operate our State University using the legally recognized and approved procedure. We are not telling other States to do like us. Every State has its own rule and system of operation.

ASUU is a recognised and important stakeholder in the university system. Its contributions to the welfare of academic staff are acknowledged. However, being a stakeholder does not confer upon the Union the statutory authority to exercise or direct the powers vested in the Visitor, the Governing Council, the University administration or the Osun State House of Assembly.

The Osun State Government consequently calls on the leadership of ASUU to verify its facts before issuing statements that could unnecessarily inflame passions or create an impression of institutional instability.

It is particularly important that a union of academics should be guided by facts, evidence and the applicable law.

If ASUU wishes to engage the Osun State Government on the welfare of academic staff, the Government remains prepared to engage constructively.

But such engagement must be based on facts rather than assumptions, law rather than conjecture, and dialogue rather than threats of industrial action.

It is therefore unfortunate that ASUU’s latest statement chose to overlook these facts while seeking to portray Osun State in a negative light.

For the avoidance of doubt, Osun State Government will continue to honour its legitimate obligations to academic staff, support the growth and development of UNIOSUN and defend the statutory authority of the duly constituted organs of the University and the State.

The Government will equally not be distracted by attempts to create unnecessary tension around an institution that remains stable and committed to academic excellence.

The doors of the Osun State Government remain open to responsible engagement with ASUU and all other stakeholders.

However, the Government will continue to insist that every stakeholder, including ASUU, must operate within the bounds of the law and respect the authority of constitutionally and statutorily established institutions.

Signed:

Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment