2nd June, 2014
Sulaimon Mojeed-Sanni
The Lagos State University authorities have directed that all students proceed on a compulsory recess and vacate the university premises.
This directive was contained in an official bulletin released Monday afternoon.
In the bulletin marked LASU/CIPPR/146, the university management directed that all students; full-time, part-time and postgraduate of the university are to proceed on recess with immediate effect.
The bulletin did not give a specific reason for the recess.
“Resumption of academic activities will be announced in due course. In view of this directive, all students of the university are expected to vacate the university premises(female hostel inclusive) until further notice,” the university management announced in the bulletin.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Lagos State University, Chapter, ASUU-LASU had declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action on 20 May, 2014.
Following in the line of ASUU-LASU, the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo Chapter, declared indefinite strike action on 26 May, 2014, paralysing activities in the school.
The Students’ Union Government also launched a social media campaign stating that if the university’s school fees is not reduced, the students would not resume.
When P.M. NEWS contacted the Public Relations Officer of LASU, Kayode Sutton, on phone, he confirmed the content of the bulletin and averred that there is no point keeping students on campus when SSANU and ASUU are strike.
He noted that this is to forestall students engaging in activities the university might not be able to manage.
He also confirmed that resumption would be communicated in due course as stated in the bulletin and corrected the notion that the university is being shut down.
Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola while responding to questions over the weekend said the students’ proposal for a reduction in school fees was being considered.
“I have passed it out to the Council. We have told the students that we are not inflexible and where we see the need for adjustment or amendment, we will do it so that they might understand it better,” Fashola said.