Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Ilorin chapter has reiterated that, "its mantra is unionism for development" and urged the newly appointed governing council under the chairmanship Prof Chukwuma Okonjo to help keep faith with it.

Okonjo, a traditional ruler, is the aged father of the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

ASUU made its position known in its congratulatory letter to the new council jointly signed by the Chairman, Professor Abdulwahab Egbewole and Secretary General, Dr. Patrick Belogun in Ilorin, on Tuesday.

The letter read: "As a union, our mantra is unionism for development and we have kept faith with it. We sincerely hope that this position would be further strengthened within the period of your service as the Chairman and Pro chancellor of this university.

"Let it be on record that we have ensured a strike free institution for more than 10 years and this has been made possible by the cooperation and unity of purpose of the unions on the campus especially the academic staff members. We have consistently resolved our issues by way of dialogue and have acted as a united body. We hope to improve on this and to that extent we extend our hands of fellowships in our bid to sustain academic excellence for which the university is known."

ASUU further noted that it would not deviate from the current peaceful atmosphere, even as it lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for the quality of the council members.