The crisis rocking the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia State, seem to be escalating with over 100 members endorsing their signatures of non-existence of the union in the institution.
The crisis is as a result of the suspension of the ASUU Chairman in the university, Comrade Uzochukwu Onyebinama, by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Hillary Edeoga.
While a member of the protesting group, Professor Vincent Asoh, said that Comrade Onyebinama’s tenure had expired, a member of another faction, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, was of the opinion that his suspension was undemocratic.
Professor Asho stressed that the claim by the group of individuals was inconsequential.
He also noted that by their constitution, the suspended chairman would continue with the tenure until the issue would be resolved.
Professor Osodeke said the body had over 700 members, observing that 200 members can decide to leave the union at their wish. He stated that the union would continue to thrive and fight for the rights of its members.
The Chairman, Governing Council of Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Professor Oko Anya, noted that the issue, which had been forwarded to the senior staff of the union, was getting the due attention required.
Despite the lingering crisis among members of the union, academic activities seem not to have been affected, as infrastructures were being put place by the school administrations to boost learning.
