Edo State government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated staff members of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were previously dismissed under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
This decision was officially announced on December 2, 2024, by Musa Umar Ikhilor, the Secretary to the Government.
The reinstatement affects members of the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU), who were unjustly relieved of their duties in March 2023.
The dismissal occurred during a period of agitation for unpaid salaries and entitlements, which the staff had been owed by the previous administration.
As Ikhilor stated, "The staff were unlawfully disengaged from the service of the institution by the defunct Special Intervention Team (S.I.T.) under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki."
This development is not just a reversal of past administrative actions but also a broader statement about governance and labor rights within Nigeria's educational sector.
It highlights ongoing issues regarding the treatment of university staff and underscores the importance of addressing grievances related to workers' rights.
Governor Okpebholo's decision is seen as a demonstration of his "avowed commitment and adherence to the rule of law in governance," according to Ikhilor.
By reinstating the sacked staff, the current administration aims to rectify past injustices and foster a more equitable environment for university employees.
This action may serve as a precedent for other states facing similar issues, encouraging a more balanced approach to handling disputes between government bodies and academic institutions.
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