The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) on Tuesday visited the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, where it held a joint congress and orientation programme for members of the union.
The visit formed part of the union’s oversight activities and also provided an opportunity for the national leadership to interact with members of the ASUP chapter at the institution.
The delegation was led by the union’s National President, Shammah Sunday Kpanja, and received by the ASUP chairman of the college chapter, Ayo Ogungbe, alongside other union members.
Speaking during the orientation session, the ASUP national president, who was represented by the former ASUP Zone ‘C’ Coordinator, Olawale Adetunji, said the primary aim of unionism is to foster a healthy relationship between employees and employers rather than confrontation.
He urged members to organise themselves responsibly and approach negotiations with their employers constructively, noting that labour unions are established mainly to negotiate agreements that benefit both parties.
Adetunji also advised union members to familiarise themselves with the union’s existing laws and guidelines, stressing the need to adhere to established rules during engagements with management.
He further commended the chapter leadership under Ogungbe for what he described as the transparent and accountable manner in which the union’s affairs have been managed at the institution.
Also speaking, the ASUP Zone ‘C’ Coordinator, Masopa Nurudeen, called on members of the union at the college to remain united and support the chapter leadership in its efforts to negotiate improved welfare for staff.
He noted that disagreements and challenges are inevitable in organisational life but stressed the importance of handling such issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Earlier in his welcome address, Ogungbe appreciated the national leadership of the union for visiting the institution and engaging members directly.
He assured the delegation that the ASUP chapter at the college would continue to strengthen its activities and contribute to the growth of the union within the institution.