The Students’ Union of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ondo State Government, demanding an immediate resolution of the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has grounded academic activities at the institution for two weeks.
In a statement jointly signed by the Students’ Union President, Falagbade Greatness, and General Secretary, Amos Oluwatimileyin, the union expressed deep concern over the industrial action, saying the strike had disrupted the academic calendar and left thousands of students uncertain about their educational future. According to the union, the prolonged closure has created widespread frustration, anxiety and hardship among students.
The union lamented that many students had been forced to leave the university environment due to the absence of a clear timeline for the resolution of the dispute, while those who remained on campus continued to face financial, emotional and psychological difficulties. It also noted that the continued suspension of academic activities had delayed graduation schedules and negatively affected students’ academic and personal plans.
Calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other relevant stakeholders to intervene without further delay, the Students’ Union urged the state government to engage the leadership of ASUU-AAUA in meaningful dialogue to bring the strike to an end. The union declared that it had exhausted all available channels of engagement, stating that it was now left with no option but to consider the final stage of student activism if no tangible progress was made within 72 hours.
The union stressed that it was seeking a “clear, practical and satisfactory response” from the government and warned that failure to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the crisis would compel students to embark on lawful, peaceful and democratic actions to defend their educational rights and collective interests. However, the union clarified that its ultimatum should not be interpreted as a threat but as a sincere appeal driven by the frustration and uncertainty experienced by students since the commencement of the strike.
Responding to the development, the university management appealed for calm, assuring students that the industrial action was receiving the attention of the Ondo State Government and would be resolved soon. Deputy Registrar, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mr. Sola Imoru, urged students to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, emphasizing that efforts were already underway to restore normal academic activities.
Imoru disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved a special intervention fund to enable the university meet its financial obligations, adding that the development had already been communicated to the Students’ Union leadership. He appealed to students to remain patient while the payment process was being concluded, expressing confidence that the dispute would soon be resolved.
The university management also advised the Students’ Union to maintain regular consultations with the institution on issues affecting the university before making public statements, noting that such engagement would help prevent misunderstandings. It reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, transparency and constructive engagement with all stakeholders as efforts continue to end the strike and resume academic activities.
