LAUTECH strike to end soon as Oyo, Osun states raise N1billion

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, may reopen very soon after being closed down for the past seven months.

Abiola Ajimobi, governor of Oyo, on Monday said his state and Osun will raise N500 million to pay salaries of academic and non-academic staff who are on strike.

The governor made the disclosure when undergraduates of the institution marched to his office in Ibadan.

“I had to suspend the State Executive Council meeting to meet with you when reports got to me that students were at the gate eager to hear from me.

“The crux of the matter is that government lacks fund. I’m sure all of you are aware of the mounting financial difficulties confronting the country, in which we have a fair share. But nevertheless, we (Oyo and Osun states) have reached a solid agreement on how to contribute funds to start with.

“We are contributing an initial N250million each as allocation to LAUTECH to achieve the set goal of getting the university reopened This is in continuation of our continuous search for every opportunity to improve education standards in Oyo State.

“We have given instructions that the school must be reopened before the end of this month. But you must know that part of education is what they call civic responsibility and tomorrow leadership is about being good observers of rule of law today.”

Ajimobi assured the students that the school would reopen before the end of January after being closed since June 9, 2016.