NOUN students, mgt disagree over union`s formation

The decision of  the management of Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to ban union activities has generated disagreement among staff and students of the institutions. Management of the institution has been at loggerheads with students and staff over the ban placed on union activities but some students have insisted on forming a union.  Some students […]

The decision of  the management of Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to ban union activities has generated disagreement among staff and students of the institutions.
Management of the institution has been at loggerheads with students and staff over the ban placed on union activities but some students have insisted on forming a union.
 Some students who spoke to our reporter raised their objections to the formation of union in the school, saying agitation by union members often leads to strike, which will affect the  smooth running of the institution`s  academic calendar. 
A student, Yahaya said he supports the management`s decisions because NOUN, unlike the conventional universities,  is an open university, populated by  mature  and working class Nigerians who are  admitted to learn and may not have time for associations.
Alechenu Awodi, a Psychology student while speaking in support of the ban called for improvements in the distribution of course materials at the point of registration.
Another student, Emmanuel  argued that the management ban on unionism saved the institution from the last ASUU strike that lasted for 8 months which crippled academic activities in most public owned universities.
However, a student, Chioma Anaigwu said that unionism should be encouraged within the institution if it was meant to advance and strengthened the standard of the institution.
It would be recalled that at the 14th matriculation of the school, the vice-chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Prof Vincent Tenebe said that the formation of students and staff unions and associations are not permitted in NOUN.    He said that the decision to ban unionism was due to the diverse nature of the students and staff of the institution in terms of age, class, status, professional callings as well as belonging to many existing unions and associations.
He said, “Another reason for the restriction is for speedy growth; more so, the Act which established the university prohibits any form of union either among staff or students.
NOUN students have always and will continue to be immune to any form of strike.”