The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticised the Federal Government for its late appeal to suspend the union’s proposed warning strike. The union said the government only approached it two working days before the planned strike, which it described as insufficient and untimely.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, explained that the delay reflects the government’s slow response to the union’s long-standing demands. He noted that despite meetings and discussions earlier in the year, the government had not made substantial moves to resolve the issues affecting the university system.
“The problem with this government is the slow response to our demands,” he said, noting that during a previous meeting in Sokoto, the union had agreed to a three-week window for negotiations. However, no follow-up occurred until the union threatened industrial action.
Strike Action Set To Commence
The union warned that unless urgent action is taken, the strike will commence at the expiration of its ultimatum on Sunday. ASUU has given the government 48 hours to present substantial progress on pending issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the federal government, which remains unresolved after eight years.
In its notice issued on September 29, ASUU criticised the neglect of the university system and the repeated inaction of the federal and state governments in addressing the concerns of academics. The union highlighted that rallies and other public demonstrations by its members have not yielded meaningful responses.
The strike, which will affect federal and state universities, is intended as a warning to compel the government to accelerate action on matters such as salaries, allowances, and the welfare of academic staff.
Federal Government Responds
On Wednesday, the Federal Government urged ASUU to shelve the strike. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, assured that the government remains committed to resolving all pending issues.
The Minister noted that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track discussions with both academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
President Bola Tinubu has directed all relevant agencies to make every effort to prevent disruptions in the nation’s tertiary institutions. The government said it is actively engaging with unions and monitoring progress to ensure that agreements are implemented promptly.
Union Maintains Firm Stand
Despite the government’s appeal, ASUU insisted that the timing of the request undermines the union’s ability to consider it. The union argued that approaching them just two days before a strike demonstrates insufficient planning and disregard for the concerns of university staff.
ASUU remains resolute in its position that negotiations must lead to tangible results before any suspension of planned action. The union stressed that its ultimatum and warning strike are aimed at securing a lasting resolution to the issues affecting the higher education sector.
The matter has drawn significant attention from students, parents, and other stakeholders, who are concerned about the potential disruption of academic calendars. Universities across Nigeria are closely monitoring developments as the deadline approaches, with many anticipating a response from the government that could prevent the strike.
Analysts note that how the government addresses ASUU’s concerns in the next 48 hours will likely determine the stability of the university system in the coming weeks. Any failure to meet the union’s demands could result in extended strikes and affect students’ resumption and academic progression.
NNPCL Links Cooking Gas Scarcity, Price Surge To PENGASSAN Strike
Discover more from RainSMediaRadio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
