The nationwide industrial action by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has stalled the orientation programme organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, for first-year students.

The Chairman, SSANU, OAU Ile-Ife, Dr Taiwo Arobadi, disclosed this during an interview on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.

Mr Arobadi said that it was a pity that new students, who were being exposed to the dos and don’ts of the institution, could have such an ugly experience, while entering the institution.

He said that the union had directed the new students to remain in their hostels or return to their homes, if they came from far distance locations.

According to him, the offices will remain under lock and key and academic activities paralysed until the government answers them by paying their withheld four months’ salary.

The SSANU chairman said that it was unanimously agreed by the union for the strike to be total and indefinite, until government listened to them.

He pointed out that the union cannot allow the government to treat its members like slaves in their own country.

“We have spoken with the university management and appealed that they understand the position of the union and that the order for the strike came from the national leadership of the union. Immediately we receive alert on our phones, we will resume our duties,” he said.

Mr Arobadi, therefore, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of Nigerian youths, whose parents could not afford to sponsor their education abroad, and look into their demand.

SSANU and NASU embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday to demand payment of their withheld four months’ salary.

(NAN)