ASUU THREATENS NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER UNMET DEMANDS, WARNS OF EDUCATIONAL CRISIS

 

ASUU THREATENS NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER UNMET DEMANDS, WARNS OF EDUCATIONAL CRISIS

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if their long-standing demands for the revitalization and proper funding of Nigeria's public universities are not met. Speaking at a press conference held at the University of Jos, ASUU President Prof. Christopher Piwuna accused the government of neglecting its commitments to university lecturers, citing years of unfulfilled promises, failed negotiations, and disregard for the union's demands.

The union's grievances include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, unpaid salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired academics. Prof. Piwuna lamented that retired professors earn as low as ₦150,000 monthly despite decades of service, highlighting the dire state of academic welfare in the country.

Prof. Piwuna expressed frustration over the government's lack of response to ASUU's pleas, stating, "The Nigerian public should note that ASUU has written several letters to the Federal Government, appealing for an amicable resolution of these crises. Unfortunately, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears." He criticized the government's proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Loan Scheme, calling it a "trap" that fails to address lecturers' needs.

The union has announced plans to hold protest rallies across campuses next week to express their frustrations. ASUU will await the outcome of a crucial government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding on its next course of action.