Babatunji Wusu –
– ASUU warns of potential new strike due to unresolved issues with the Federal Government.
– The union has avoided industrial action out of a desire for harmony.
– Criticism of government’s dismissal of negotiated agreements leading to past strikes.
– Key demands include renegotiation of agreements, payment of withheld salaries, and increased funding for universities.
– ASUU emphasizes that the responsibility for any future strike lies with the government.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has raised serious concerns regarding the Federal Government’s failure to address ongoing issues impacting Nigeria’s university system, warning that another strike may be unavoidable if conditions do not improve. Zonal Coordinator Raphael Amokaha expressed these concerns in a statement released on Wednesday in Makurdi.
Amokaha explained that the union has refrained from industrial action since suspending the 2022 strike, driven by patriotism and a desire for harmony within the education sector. However, he emphasized that the government’s continued neglect of critical issues may soon compel ASUU to reconsider its position. “The Union has bent backwards to avoid industrial disharmony in our public universities by seeking an amicable resolution of the issues in contention,” he stated.
Reflecting on the circumstances that led to the 2022 strike, Amokaha criticized the government for dismissing negotiated agreements and imposing unilateral offers. “We were forced into the 2022 strike by the government. What option was available to our union at that time? We had negotiated a reviewed agreement over five years under three government-appointed negotiation chairmen, yet the government dismissed it,” he explained.
Amokaha lamented the persistent deterioration of Nigeria’s university system, noting that conditions for institutions and their staff have not improved over the past 15 years. He highlighted that university workers have not received a salary review in over a decade and expressed frustration at the government systematically blocking efforts to enhance the welfare of university staff.
He warned that unless the Federal Government demonstrates genuine intent in negotiations and takes immediate steps to address these long-standing issues, ASUU will have no choice but to strike. Key demands outlined by ASUU include:
– Finalizing the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s recommendations.
– Releasing salaries withheld during the 2022 strike.
– Paying outstanding salaries owed to staff on sabbatical, part-time, or adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
– Addressing outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
– Increasing funding for the revitalization of public universities as specified in the 2023 federal budget.
– Payment of Earned Academic Allowances.
– Tackling the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments.
“The ball is now in the government’s court. If we go on strike, the blame lies squarely with the Federal Government,” Amokaha concluded.
