Oyo, Nigeria — The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, has joined voices nationwide to condemn the alleged assault and unlawful arrest of union leaders of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) branch by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti State.
The union described the incident as an abuse of power and a gross violation of workers’ rights, allegedly instigated by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina.
In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the EAUED Branch Chairman, Comrade Ayotunde J. Fabeku, SSANU Oyo chapter denounced the act as “unwarranted, barbaric, and contrary to the principles of freedom of association guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.”
“We condemn this action in its entirety because it is a gross violation of workers’ rights and the principles of democracy. Such an act should be totally condemned by all right-thinking individuals,” the statement read in part.
Comrade Fabeku commended the National Leadership of SSANU, particularly the National President and the National Vice President (Western Zone), for their prompt and decisive intervention which led to the occupation of the Ekiti State Police Command Headquarters by SSANU members protesting the arrests.
He also praised members of Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, for their swift show of solidarity, describing their unity as “a beacon of hope for comrades in distress.”
The EAUED branch further appreciated the Governor of Ekiti State for promptly ordering the release of the detained FUOYE union leaders after being briefed on the matter.
Reaffirming its support for the FUOYE branch, SSANU EAUED vowed to continue advocating for justice until due process is followed and the rights of university workers are fully respected.
“To our comrades in FUOYE, be assured that we are solidly behind you. Your struggle is our struggle, and we will not rest until justice prevails,” Comrade Fabeku stated.
The union called on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect workers’ rights, and ensure that such incidents do not recur within Nigeria’s university system.