OKITIPUPA, Nigeria – Workers at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa, Ondo State, brought activities at the institution to a halt on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, protesting the sudden dismissal of many staff members.
The protesting workers, who gathered at the school’s main gate, claimed that the university management unjustly sacked 35 of their colleagues.
In a bold move, they shut the main gate of the institution, vowing to bring all academic and non-academic activities to a standstill until the management reverses its decision and reinstates the dismissed employees.
The workers asserted that their colleagues were not just fired unjustly, but also without due process.
One protester, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the affected employees were formally employed, having received appointment letters and completed necessary documentation.
Moreover, he disclosed that most of the dismissed staff had worked at the university for over six months, emphasizing their commitment to the institution.
The striking workers maintained that for normalcy to return to the university, the management must recall all sacked workers and reconsider its decisions.
The protest has drawn attention to the workers’ grievances, raising concerns about the university’s labor practices.
University management has yet to respond publicly to the protest or the allegations made by the striking workers.
