The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti State, has denied reports of an impending industrial crisis in the institution due to the proscription of staff unions. Last year, The PUNCH reported that all staff unions in the university had been proscribed by the university management.

According to Mr. Temitope Akinbisoye, the spokesperson for BOUESTI (Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere), the three staff unions in the university - the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Research Institutes - were proscribed on August 4, 2022, following an assault on the Vice-Chancellor and the Bursar of the institution by some union leaders. This action was taken after the state government reviewed the appointments of the former Registrar and the University librarian.

Akinbisoye clarified in a statement titled "BOUESTI debunks news of looming labour crisis" that the proscription was necessary to curb activities of the unions that were detrimental to peace, progress, and development. He also mentioned that the university's counsel had responded to a letter from SSANU's (Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities) legal representatives, who alleged illegal proscription and confiscation of union property.

BOUESTI clarified that the proscribed unions' vehicles were parked at the university's vehicle pool for safety reasons, as some staff members had converted the vehicles to personal use, falsely claiming to work for non-existing unions.

Akinbisoye emphasized that the reports of an impending industrial crisis in the institution were baseless and an attempt to blackmail the university. He stated that BOUESTI has maintained a proud record of an unbroken academic calendar since its establishment in 2020, and the university's doors were open for discussions.

He advised the national leadership of SSANU to ensure that capable and visionary members take charge of the association in BOUESTI once the embargo on union activities is lifted, to prevent any further misconduct.

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