OAU Bursar held hostage over non-payment of allowances

Workers of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Monday, held the Registrar of the university, Mrs. Ronke Akeredolu, to hostage over non-payment of their allowances.

It was gathered that the action was triggered by ‎an information that circulated that the bursar had prepared a cheque of N30 million to be paid to the former Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Bamitale Omole.

The N30 million, it was gathered, was to serve as entitlements for the former VC, who left office amidst crisis.

The workers, who were armed with charms, blocked all entrances of the ground floor at the Senate Building of the OAU to avoid the bursar’s escape.

One of the workers said, “This is unfair. They thought we are fools and could be cheated anyhow. When ever we demand for our allowances, the bursar usually tell us that there is no money. To our surprise, the same bursar prepared a cheque of N30 million to be delivered to the former VC, who denied us of several rights.”

Another worker said, “They made the move during the weekend. They wanted to sideline both Senior and non-academic staff not knowing that we ‎are at alert. Some of the top officials have already travelled out of the country.”

Subsequently, Chairman of the non-academic staff, Comrade Wole Odewunmi, after a meeting with the VC and other officials of the university management announced that agreement has been reached for payment.

After the announcement, the workers disagreed and asked their leaders to go and renegotiate the date.

Addressing the workers, the Vice Chancellor said the numbers of month to be paid would be communicated to the workers latest Wednesday.