“The task ahead calls for greater commitment, renewed energy and collective responsibility. We have been in this struggle nationally for 24 years—beginning with the Conference of Secondary School Tutors (COSST) and evolving into the formidable force now known as ASUSS. Can we still call ourselves newcomers to the struggle? Certainly not”
By Nudoiba Ojen
THE Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Sola Adigun, has emerged National President of the Association.
Adigun, who is also the state chairman of Trade Union Congress, has before now, held national positions in ASUSS.
Speaking in his acceptance speech in Abuja on Tuesday, the new ASUSS National President lauded his predecessor, Comrade Samuel Omaji, for exceptional service to the Union, saying, “Your tenure has left behind a more united, more focused, and forward-looking ASUSS.
“Having served under your leadership—first as the National Vice President and later as Secretary-General—I have had the privilege of learning, growing, and contributing meaningfully to our collective cause. I am deeply grateful for those opportunities”.
Adigun said, “The task ahead calls for greater commitment, renewed energy, and collective responsibility. We have been in this struggle nationally for 24 years—beginning with the Conference of Secondary School Tutors (COSST) and evolving into the formidable force now known as ASUSS. Can we still call ourselves newcomers to the struggle? Certainly not”.
He recalled ASUSS struggle, saying, “Twenty years ago, I joined this movement when the struggle began in my home state. I still remember vividly how, during the dark days of suppression, we were secretly mobilizing comrades after the pioneer leaders were forced underground.
“The vision has always been clear: liberation for teachers and restoration of dignity to the teaching profession. The humble beginnings in my living room, with just two, three, sometimes five comrades, may have seemed small—but the dreams were big. I never imagined then that the journey would lead me here today.
“Comrades, I thank you sincerely for choosing me as the 3rd substantive National President of this great union—ASUSS. I consider this both a great honour and a great responsibility”.
On the outlook of his administration, he said, “In our relationship with external partners, including TUC and its affiliates, we shall build upon the solid foundation laid by the outgoing administration.
“We must also strengthen our engagement with relevant government agencies at all levels. As the saying goes, a tree does not make a forest.
“Therefore, I humbly seek your support as we take ASUSS to greater heights. Let’s continually demonstrate that we are go-getters in the execution of our visions and programmes as we will be reeling them out”.
He lauded former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, “who took a bold step in officially recognizing ASUSS in the state” and as well his successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, “for his public support—his relationship with us – has never been hidden”.
