ASUU Warns FG over Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sent a strong warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria, cautioning that any potential industrial unrest in public universities will be the responsibility of the government.
In a statement signed by the union’s Federal University, Dutse Chairman, Comrade Dr Salim Ahmad, ASUU highlighted the repeated efforts made by the union’s leadership over the past four years to engage in dialogue with government officials, including the President, to address outstanding issues in agreements and signed between the two parties.
Despite these efforts, the union lamented that the Tinubu administration, like its predecessor, has been unresponsive to their legitimate and reasonable demands. This disregard for ASUU’s concerns compelled the National Executive Council (NEC) to hold a meeting at the University of Ibadan in August, where they unanimously resolved to give the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address the issues.
The expiration of this ultimatum has now passed, with the government remaining noncommittal in addressing ASUU’s monetary and non-monetary demands.
This lack of action on the part of the government has put the union in a difficult position, forcing them to consider the possibility of further industrial action.
The union warns that the Federal Government’s negligence will inevitably lead to a breakdown in industrial harmony, which will ultimately impact the quality of education and intellectual advancement in Nigeria’s public universities.
The statement issued by ASUU serves as a wake-up call to the government, emphasizing the need for a swift and fair resolution of the outstanding issues before the situation escalates into a full-blown crisis.
ASUU’s concerns have not only centered on the financial well-being of its members but also on the larger societal implications of a potential industrial action.
The union has stressed that the quality of education in Nigeria’s public universities is at stake, and a prolonged industrial unrest could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s intellectual progress.
Moreover, the union has expressed frustration at the Federal Government’s seeming indifference towards the demands of educators, despite their crucial role in shaping the country’s future leaders and innovators.
At the heart of this looming conflict is a fundamental question about the value that the Federal Government places on higher education and its institutions.
While the government may be grappling with a myriad of challenges, ASUU is demanding recognition and respect for the crucial role that its members play in shaping the country’s future.
It is a reminder that education, as the bedrock of any society, should not be treated as a low priority, but rather as a foundational investment that will yield dividends for generations to come.
References and Citations:
- Punch – FG raises teams to avert ASUU Strike
- Daily Post – ASUU threatens Strike after expiration of 21-day ultimatum to Nigerian govt.
- Tribune – Nationwide Strike: ASUU seeks Abubakar, Kukah, Dangote
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