Op-Ed: ASUP, Ospoly Mgt, State govt Puts Student Lives at Risk with Ongoing Strike

By: Boluwaji Daso

In a shocking turn of events, the management of Osun State Polytechnic, OSPOLY, Iree, has come under fire for endangering the lives of its students due to an ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP). The strike, which has been ongoing for over a week, has led to significant disruptions in the academic calendar, leaving students without proper supervision and jeopardizing their educational progress.

The strike was called by the Asup' union following the suspension of Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, the institution's rector, on grounds of corruption, abuse of power, misappropriation of finances, and other offenses. While the demands of the union are yet to be justifiable, the prolonged strike has resulted in an environment of uncertainty and chaos within the institution's premises.

Parents and guardians have expressed their deep concern over the situation, as their children are being deprived of the education they rightfully deserve. Students are left to their own mystery, struggling to grasp the reason behind the ongoing strike and falling behind in their studies.

Many people have condemned the school management for their failure to resolve the ongoing strike and ensure the safety and education of their children. They argue that the government's inability to address the Asup's concerns in a timely manner has resulted in a dire situation, where students' lives are being put at risk.

In response to the mounting criticism, the Students Union Government (SUG) and Students Union Association (SUA) released a statement expressing regret over the current situation. They acknowledged the importance of resolving the strike promptly and assured the general public that efforts are underway to engage in negotiations with the ASUP's demand to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

However, many Associations like (NANS, NAOSS, and CDHR) have been alerted to the situation and are closely monitoring the developments. They have urged the school management, ASUP, and the government stakeholders to prioritize the well-being and education of the students and find a swift resolution to the ongoing dispute.

As concerned parents and students await a resolution, the impact of the strike on the academic progress and safety of the students continues to grow. The urgent need for a resolution becomes increasingly apparent, as the management's failure to address the concerns of the Asup' union has placed the lives and futures of the students in jeopardy.

In the coming days, it remains to be seen whether the school management and the teachers' union can find common ground and bring an end to the strike. Until then, the students of Osun State Polytechnic, OSPOLY, Iree, remain caught in the crossfire, bearing the brunt of a dispute that should have been resolved without risking their education and safety.

Moreover, many students who have traveled home since the beginning of the strike have been led to return to the institution community due to the release made available to the public by the SUG on the ground of resumption yesterday 4th of August, 2023.