Protest Hits Ondo University as Students Demonstrates 68-day Strike

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Thursday protested the 68-day industrial action by workers’ unions, demanding the immediate reopening of the institution.
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The students took to the streets to express their displeasure over the prolonged closure, which they said had disrupted academic activities and created uncertainty for those nearing graduation.

The protesters barricaded the university’s main gate along the Owo-Ikare Expressway, carrying placards with inscriptions including, “Every pending graduate, shey na our lives be these?”, “NASU, NAAT, SSANU have joined strike” and “Enough is Enough.”

‎They called for an immediate resolution of the issues behind the strike, urging the Ondo State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that academic activities resume without further delay.

Speaking during the protest, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Folagbade Ayoola, said the students had reached their limit and could no longer remain silent over the prolonged closure.‎

Ayoola lamented that students were being required to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries remained unpaid, adding that repeated meetings and promises had failed to produce a lasting solution.

‎He said, “We cannot keep silent because we are really facing challenges in our university. Imagine students having to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries are not being paid.”

According to him, the Academic Staff Union of Universities had presented its demands to the government, but the failure to secure the necessary response eventually led to the commencement of the indefinite strike.

He added that the students would continue to use legitimate means to press for a resolution until the strike was called off.

The union’s General Secretary, Oluwatimileyin Amos, said the prolonged stay-at-home was creating uncertainty and hardship for students, particularly those nearing graduation.

The industrial action followed demands by unions in Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions for the implementation of the Federal Government/unions agreement on workers’ welfare.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and National Association of Academic Technologists are among the unions involved in the dispute.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government said it had paid the outstanding balance of the August arrears of the new subvention to the state-owned tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government said the payment marked the commencement of the implementation of a 60 per cent increase in subventions to the institutions.

The government said the increase was aimed at meeting salary obligations and improving the welfare of university workers.

Ondo University

‎The statement partly read, “This payment marks the commencement of the implementation of the 60 per cent increment on subventions to the institutions, aimed at meeting up with salary obligations and improving welfare.

‎”Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa therefore appeals to the striking unions of the institutions to, in good faith, call off the strike and return to work in the interest of our students and the overall development of the state.”
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NAF Hospital Ikeja Secure Full Accreditation for Optometry Service and Internship Training

The 661 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Ikeja, has earned Full Accreditation for Optometry Services and Internship Training following a comprehensive accreditation exercise conducted by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).
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The exercise, led by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Obinna Edwin Awiaka, assessed the hospital’s optometric services, facilities, clinical standards and capacity to provide quality internship training in accordance with established professional and regulatory requirements.

The accreditation team was warmly received by the Commander, 661 NAF Hospital, Air Commodore AS Oyenusi, the Officer Commanding the Eye Clinic, Flight Lieutenant CP Pedro, and other members of the hospital management. Following a thorough evaluation, the hospital was granted Full Accreditation, valid for four years.

The achievement underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery, professional excellence and the development of competent healthcare professionals through effective supervision, structured training and appropriate clinical exposure.

The accreditation further demonstrates the NAF’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and advancing quality patient care, in line with the vision and strategic priorities of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, while supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Health Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NAF Hospital

The achievement places 661 NAF Hospital, Ikeja, alongside other reputable healthcare institutions meeting established professional standards for optometry services and internship training, reinforcing its position as a trusted centre for quality healthcare, professional development and service excellence.
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Governor Eno Unveils Miva Study Centre in Uyo as University Student Population Hits 34,000

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled the Uyo Study Centre of Miva Open University, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and developing human capital in the state.
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The study centre, located at No. 26 Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, was officially unveiled on Friday by the Governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Speaking at the event, Umanah commended the founder and management of Miva Open University for choosing Akwa Ibom as a location for its study centre, describing the initiative as a significant addition to the state’s growing educational sector.

The Commissioner described Governor Eno as an education-friendly leader, noting that education remains a key priority of the administration’s ARISE Agenda. He said the government had continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving access to education, strengthening human capital and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Umanah assured private educational institutions and other stakeholders of the state government’s continued support and partnership, while expressing optimism that the presence of Miva Open University in Uyo would create more opportunities for students and contribute to the state’s human capital development.

Earlier, the Chief Operating Officer of Miva Open University, Aniekeme Umoh, said the institution was excited to deepen its relationship with Akwa Ibom through the establishment of the Uyo Study Centre.
Umoh commended the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on education, human capital development, youth empowerment and shared prosperity, saying the priorities align with the university’s mission of providing accessible and relevant higher education.

She disclosed that Miva Open University, which began operations with about 500 students, has grown to more than 34,000 students.
According to her, the Uyo Study Centre was established to provide students in Akwa Ibom with a conducive environment for learning, interaction with other students and access to opportunities within the university’s wider academic community.

Governor Enoum

She added that the university was committed to creating a new category of higher education that responds to the realities of modern students and the demands of a rapidly changing world.

A 100-level Computer Science student of the university, Solomon Egheose, also commended the founder and management of Miva Open University for maintaining high standards in the administration of the institution.

Miva Open University is licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and operates as an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution.
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