ASUU: AAUA students give Ondo govt 72-hour ultimatum to end strike

The Students’ Union of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has given the Ondo State Government a 72-hour ultimatum to address the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), warning that students may embark on mass protests if no action is taken.

In a statement jointly signed by the union’s President, Falagbade Greatness, and General Secretary, Amos Oluwatimileyin, the students expressed concern over the disruption caused by the industrial action, which has entered its 14th day.

The union said the strike has halted academic activities across the institution, leaving thousands of students unable to continue their studies and creating widespread uncertainty.

According to the statement, the prolonged shutdown has further distorted the university’s academic calendar while increasing anxiety and frustration among students.

The union lamented that the shutdown has delayed graduation timelines and subjected students to emotional, psychological and financial hardship.

“Many students have been compelled to vacate the university environment due to the absence of a clear timeline for the resolution of the dispute. Others who remain on campus continue to endure hardship while awaiting resumption,” it added.

The union called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and relevant authorities to immediately engage ASUU-AAUA leadership to ensure a prompt resolution.

“We have exhausted the two Cs of Aluta and we are left with no other option than to invoke the last C of Aluta,” the union said, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for a “clear, practical, and satisfactory response.”

It warned that failure to demonstrate genuine commitment would force the union to mobilise students for “all lawful, peaceful, and democratic actions necessary to protect the educational rights and collective interests of AAUA students.”

The union, however, said the statement was “a sincere appeal born out of frustration, uncertainty, and hardship” and not a threat.

Reacting, the university management said the strike “is receiving the attention of the Ondo State Government and will be resolved soon.”

Deputy Registrar, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mr. Sola Imoru, urged students to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions, noting that efforts were underway to end the industrial action.

Imoru said the ultimatum was unnecessary because the governor had already approved a special intervention fund to enable the institution to meet its financial obligations. He added that the development had earlier been communicated to the Students’ Union leadership.

He appealed to students to remain patient while the payment process was concluded, expressing optimism that normal academic activities would soon resume.

Imoru also advised the union to seek clarification on issues affecting the institution before making public statements, stressing that regular consultation would prevent misunderstandings.

The management reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, transparency and constructive engagement with all stakeholders.

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