The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Ibadan has distanced itself from the protest by some workers of the institution.

Some workers of the institution, predominantly, non-academic staff,  last week took over the premises of the campus protesting against the alleged plan by the Vice-Chancellor, Idowu Olayinka to impose his deputy, Kayode Adebowale as his successor.

The protest, which was held till late in the night on Friday, led to the suspension of the announcement of the preferred candidate by the selection committee and the suspension of the ongoing selection process.

Despite the suspension of the process, the Senior Staff and Non-Academic Staff Unions have insisted that the DVC, Adebowale, and another shortlisted candidate, Prof. Femi Mimiko must be screened out.

They also called for the appointment of an Acting VC who would oversee a new, transparent and fair selection process.

However, in a special bulletin issued by ASUU, UI, the union distanced itself from the protests.

The decision of the union to distance itself was reached after a meeting of its executive branch where it deliberated on the incidence.

The union also condemned in the strongest terms the disruption of the meeting of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan that was convened to conclude the selection of the next Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The union also noted that the action of protesters, assaulting, attempt to assault or outright molestations of members of the Academic Staff Union of the University, UI branch, shall henceforth be vehemently resisted.

The union reaffirmed its earlier appeal to the Governing Council that a level playing ground must be given in the appointment of the next VC.

This, according to the bulletin, is to ensure the sanctity of the University’s autonomy is protected.