Hassan Sunmonu, a veteran Nigerian trade unionist, has openly criticized the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.During a symposium on Friday, Sunmonu highlighted the role of intellectuals like Dr.Segun Osoba in equipping labor leaders with the knowledge to oppose the 'orthodox SAP' agenda.

He emphasized how Nigerian intellectuals educated the public about the dangers of IMF policies, which he described as attempts to enslave economies and people.

Sunmonu, who led the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, credited Osoba with fostering ties between labor activists and progressive academics.He argued that intellectuals like Osoba prioritized the interests of ordinary Nigerians, ensuring their scholarship served the common good.

Sunmonu also praised Osoba's role in the Ife Coop, which united lecturers and students, and noted the historical collaboration between labor unions and scholars.The symposium also featured Ibrahim Abdullahi, who celebrated Osoba as a defender of the oppressed and custodian of popular memory.Abdullahi called for continued intellectual and political legacy, stressing the importance of social justice in democratic politics.The article underscores the enduring impact of Osoba's work on Nigerian and African labor movements.