The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day strike notice to the federal government following a recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. This decision comes in response to the government’s failure to implement previously agreed-upon terms.
In an effort to address the union’s concerns and prevent the impending strike, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, held a meeting with ASUU leadership in July. During this meeting, it was agreed that a follow-up discussion would be held in two weeks to assess the progress made by the government.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. “At the meeting convened by the Minister of Education, we agreed to reconvene in two weeks to evaluate any advancements the government has made,” Osodeke stated. “If there is no substantial progress, we will decide on the next steps.”
Osodeke highlighted several unresolved issues, including the non-implementation of the 2009 renegotiated agreements, which have remained unmet for over six years. He also noted that academic allowances owed to ASUU members have been unpaid for the same duration, with only one payment made since 2013.
Additionally, Osodeke criticized the government’s handling of university funding, stating, “We need revitalization funds to upgrade our universities to international standards. Many new universities have been established without adequate funding, which hampers their effective operation.”
Osodeke’s comments underscore the urgent need for the federal government to address ASUU’s demands to avoid disruption in the academic sector.
