ASUU THREATENS "MOTHER OF ALL STRIKES" OVER UNFULFILLED AGREEMENTS

 ASUU THREATENS "MOTHER OF ALL STRIKES" OVER UNFULFILLED AGREEMENTS

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared its readiness to embark on what it terms the “mother of all strikes” unless the Federal Government fulfills its promises regarding the 2009 agreement aimed at revitalizing public universities. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar, Dr. Peter Ubi, chairman of the University of Calabar (Unical) chapter, said the union is prepared to commence industrial action once the national body gives the directive after its August 28 meeting.

Dr. Ubi highlighted the union’s demands, which include renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, sustainable funding for Nigerian universities, revitalization of decaying infrastructure, and the payment of outstanding wage awards and salary arrears. He criticized the government for failing to resolve these issues despite repeated negotiations, stating, “Unfortunately, government, in its characteristics, has paid deaf ears to our demands and has constantly pushed our union to embark on strike. We are therefore left with no option but to strike.”

The Unical chapter also raised concerns over the proliferation of universities across the country, calling for a halt to the establishment of private universities. Dr. Ubi argued that the unchecked growth of tertiary institutions without adequate standards poses a threat to academic quality. “We currently have 72 federal universities and 159 private universities, bringing the total to 339 universities, giving each state and the FCT an average of nine universities, excluding polytechnics and colleges of education. Extending the moratorium to private institutions will help ensure quality over quantity,” he said.

The call for restraint aligns with the Federal Government’s recent decision to impose a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The government cited the proliferation of underutilized institutions, overstretched resources, and declining academic quality as reasons for the freeze. Despite this, the Federal Executive Council recently approved nine new universities, sparking concerns about policy inconsistency. Critics, including ASUU, argue that resources should be directed toward strengthening existing institutions rather than creating new ones. 

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.