14TH AUGUST, 2017
OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR AKINWUNMI AMBODE ON THE STATE OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU), OJO CAMPUS; CALL FOR THE NEEDED PEACE AND STABILITY

RE: ASUU CONUNDRUM IN THE LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU).

Our attention has been drawn to recent events in the Lagos State University (LASU), which if not nipped in the bud may lead to ANOTHER ROUND OF CRISES IN THE INSTITUTION BY WAY OF strike, lock-outs, breakdown of law and order, academic instability and a breach of peace in that Citadel of Learning.
LASU is a pride of Lagos and its people and efforts of the current State government has began to place the institution as preferred choice by candidates seeking university admission in Nigeria. IF SUSTAINED ALONG WITH MUCH DESIRED PEACE, INDUSTRIAL HARMONY, ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE AND INTEGRITY,  LASU could become the best University in Africa since it is located in Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria acknowledged as the sixth emerging Mega city in the world.

THE ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES (ASUU)
In almost four decades in Nigeria, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has played a very prominent and pivotal role in championing the cause of Academic and Non Academic staff, students and the generality of the universities communities by a sophisticated approach to industrial relations. The union members have most times exhibited moral excellence, honesty, selflessness and cooperation with the management of the universities, the students and to a reasonable extent, the government and Governing Councils of the institutions.


THE PROBLEM

Empirical studies in LASU shows that between 1984 and 2015, the Institution has experienced over 200 strikes, which gives an average of four strike actions per year. The resultant effects of these strike actions led to the exit of many of the Institution's Vice Chancellors, usually targeted by the local branch of ASUU. Such exit of VCs or sack of University Management by the Visitor however failed to resolve core issues of funding, democratic governance, academic freedom, discipline etc suggesting therefore that the tactics of making individuals the target of strikes and avoidable industrial actions only serve to destabilize the institution.

JANUARY 2016 TO DATE

The present Vice Chancellor of the Institution assumed office on January 11, 2016 and since then, there has been peace and tranquility in the institution and great strides in different aspects of the academic life of the University. There has been established a world class post graduate school with state of the art facilities. In terms of administration, promotion takes place as and when due and staff salaries are paid promptly. All academic programs are now fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

THE QUEST FOR PEACE

We appreciate the tireless efforts of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Executive Governor of Lagos State and Visitor of the University and also the Governing Council of the University, ably headed by Hon. Justice Oguntade JSC (Rtd.) and Professor Ninalowo in conjunction with Prof. Fagbohun, the incumbent Vice Chancellor in ensuring enduring peace and substantial progress and development of the institution, which is sine qua non to academic progress and intellectualism.

THE WAY FORWARD
We gather that the current issues have arisen from management's decision to investigate allegations that some lecturers allegedly committed academic fraud by collecting money for grades among other acts of misconduct. Surely a university that aspires to greatness cannot ignore such grave allegations. The university also has clearly laid down procedures of handling such matters and these are known to all stakeholders. We enjoin all parties to submit to and embrace the inbuilt democratic structures of the institution to resolve all lingering issues and desist from acting selfishly in the overall interest of the institution and its stakeholders.
This is also a call on the appropriate Authorities and, indeed, the Lagos State Government to put measures in place in ensuring the needed peace and stability in LASU.
THANK YOU.          
FOR: LASU CONCERNED YOUNG ALUMNI



______________________                                                             ________________________

YAKUBU ELETO ESQ.                                                                ADESANYA SAHEED
CONVENER                                                                                    SECRETARY
08038629319                                                                                     08112429299


CC:

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LAGOS
THE SPEAKER, LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
A.G LAGOS STATE
S.A TO THE GOVERNOR ON EDUCATION
THE MAJORITY LEADER LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LAGOS
THE DIRECTOR OF STATE SECURITY SERVICE LAGOS
CHANCELLOR LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY
CHAIRMAN LASU GOVERNING COUNCIL
THE VICE CHANCELLOR LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY
NATIONAL PRESIDENT LASU
NATIONAL PRESIDENT LASU ALUMNI
NASU LASU
SSANU LASU
LASUSU PRESIDENT