The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) Oyo State Branch held its 2025 First Regular Meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The event took place at the Dr. K.J. Nwufor Hall, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

Gathering academicians, heads of departments, deans, and various state executive council members of NASU, along with dignitaries such as Dr. Olatunde Adekoya Owosibo, the Provost of FCAH&PT; Dr. Ayodeji, Deputy Provost Academics; Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Ogunleke, Deputy Provost Administration; Dr. (Mrs.) Popoola, Registrar; Comrade Adepeju Joseph Olukoya, Deputy President of Research; Comrade Olowookere Johnson Oluwaseyi, Host NASU Chairman; Comrade Olubunmi Folorunsho, Secretary Academic Staff Union and Comrade Akande Ibrahim, Acting State Chairman.

This monumental gathering was convened to deliberate on essential concerns affecting the various branches of NASU and the nation at large, focusing on how solutions can be proffered to address these challenges.

Comrade Olowookere Oluwaseyi, the Host NASU Chairman, welcomed attendees with enthusiasm, stating, I welcome you all to this meeting. I honor our national headquarters leadership for their mentorship, doggedness, steadfastness, and uprightness among other unions nationwide, ensuring NASU stability at all courses. We appreciate them for giving us a slot to participate in the young workers' educational and mentorship program, and we thank NASU Oyo State Council for the privilege to host this meeting. This marks the first of its kind in the history of the college and NASU Federal College of Animal Health, Ibadan.

Comrade Akande Ibrahim, the Acting State Chairman, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, Since our last meeting at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, I am delighted that everyone is here again on this significant occasion as we engage in several discussions on crucial matters affecting the union and the country at large. Some of the challenges to be addressed include the state of the nation—specifically inflation, subsidy removal, insecurity, and insurgency—as well as the situation in Oyo State, where we need to meet with the government.

Dr. (Mrs.) Popoola, Registrar of FCAH&PT, commended the leadership and members of NASU for their dedication and commitment to the growth and stability of the institution. I appreciate NASU because, as non-teaching staff, you are the silent heroes of the academic environment. The college management recognizes your value and will continue to support your welfare, professional development, and inclusion in the decision-making processes of the college, she stated.

Comrade Adepeju Olukoya, the Deputy President of Research, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong legacy for NASU, saying, Our people have set a name for NASU, and it is imperative for us to build on that legacy. I urge every member of NASU to utilize conflict resolution mechanisms; we are bound to have conflicts, but let us make NASU better, so people can see our contributions when we leave.

Dr. Olatunde Owosibo, the Provost of the college, expressed his appreciation for choosing the institution as the venue for this significant meeting. I welcome you all to this citadel of learning and count it as a privilege that you consider this college for this meeting. The NASU members' contributions have motivated me to work diligently. I believe in consultation and collaboration to achieve our objectives, he remarked.

Regarding staff welfare, Dr. Owosibo added, this college was instituted on April 1, 1964, and we have been waxing stronger ever since. We offer about 19 programs, and I assure you that no one has been denied promotion for the past five years I have served as provost. My approach to staff welfare is a permanent fixture, ensuring advancement and professional development for all staff.

Recognizing the vital role of NASU members, he encouraged them not to underestimate their contributions. In your respective areas of calling, do not see yourself as ordinary. Instead, recognize yourself as a significant contributor to our collective success. You are important, so be diligent in your roles, and the sky will be your limit, he concluded.

The meeting also recognized outstanding members, awarding them for their exceptional commitment, unwavering dedication, and outstanding service to the union.