Here We Go LASUSU
One week is never too early for drama
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On this day, last week, the 35th LASUSU administration officially began but it feels like they've been there for longer with everything that has been happening. What's been up?
ASUU vs LASUSU
On Saturday, 7th December, 2024, a document addressed to the Vice Chancellor by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT, began circulating in which the JAC notified the VC of an indefinite strike action effective from close of work of 6th December over certain demands not being met. This document was also signed by the chairpersons and secretaries of these associations.
In swift response and as what one may consider a means of Crisis Management, the LASU Student Union (LASUSU) put out a press release stating that the strike action only affects the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
By implication, the union announced, on an authority that is yet to be determined, that the strike does not pertain to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and academic activities would continue as usual.
In a quick response also, ASUU responded with a Bulletin on 8th December, 2024. In this bulletin, the association confirmed that it has embarked on a total and indefinite strike action.
The association also encouraged students to display a high sense of "maturity, solidarity and understanding in this matter" and watch as events unfolds.
Finally, the association said that students should disregard the press release from the student union, stating that "students have no stake in the matter or posses any right to meddle in the welfare issues involving staff members of the University and the Government".
In a recent development, the union sent out a press release to clarify its position on staff union advocacy. In this release,the union noted that the earlier released statement might have been misinterpreted to have been disregarding or disrespecting the Association's authority to embark on a strike.
The union apologized for "any perceived slight and reaffirm our commitment to solidarity and cooperation".
AI Written Press Releases
The 34th LASUSU Pubic Relations Officer, Ibiade Benjamin, on more occasion than once, has expressed his confidence in his successor, Comr. Asikoto Mauyon and his ability to do better.
However, so far, one may deduce that the only thing the 35th PRO has been able to do better is draw us closer to our dictionaries.
Not only have the press releases and statement from the above mentioned office been out of touch with our realities and emotions, they have also been a little bit exaggerated with constant use of words like
'Inherent' 'Marginalized' 'Recent Intelligence' and 'academic endeavours' among others which makes us question if these releases were written and vetted by the PRO himself.
Now, we are not against using Artificial Intelligence in improving the quality of our work done, we are a forward-moving University and we all use Artificial Intelligence, but of what use is a human if technology can totally replace them?
Palliative and Mental Health Promises
LASUites have been rejoicing since last Tuesday after the 35th President gave his inauguration speech.
During his speech, the president promised to prioritise the mental health of students by establishing a unit to that effect.
The president also promised financial support and assistant to indigent students who are unable to pay their school fees, introduction of a digitalized classroom to provide for enhanced learning and provision of palliatives to students during exam period.
While we are unsure of how this would work, we have absolute faith in the president to ensure that this is done effectively. After all, Joldie Dey for everybody 😉
📝: Ayo Oladiran, Deputy Editor, LASULife
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