Why ASUU extends 6-month-old strike indefinitely: Official

*Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, maintains the Nigerian Government believes in ‘punishing lecturers…. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike; you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg’

*Femi Falana, SAN, human rights lawyer, urges the Federal Government to sign up the Renegotiated Agreement with ASUU without further delay

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Following the Federal Government and University lecturers’ inability to reach a resolution of the latter’s lingering industrial dispute for the umpteenth time, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Monday, August 29, 2022, extended the Union’s six-month-old strike.

It was learnt that a member of ASUU, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the latest development to Channels TV, following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the striking University lecturers held Sunday, August 28, 2022, at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Cross-sections of Nigerian University students receiving lectures before strike

However, the source reportedly did not disclose the duration of the Union’s extended industrial action in the West African country.

It is recalled that ASUU has been on strike since February 14 this year over improved welfare, revitalisation of the declining public universities, and academic autonomy among other demands.

Following the Federal Government and lecturers’ inability to reach a resolution since February, the academic Union May 9 further extended the strike by 12 weeks.

The University teachers are seeking improved welfare, the revitalisation of public universities, and academic autonomy among others.

Prof. Nimi Briggs-led Committee’s intervention

Incidentally, several meetings between the  Federal Government’s representatives and ASUU have ended in deadlock a  number of times since February.

Malam Adamu Adamu, Minister for Education

One such was held about two weeks ago with the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee at the National University Commission (NUC), in Abuja, report stated.

However, a senior official of ASUU said that the Briggs Renegotiation Committee did not come up with a new deal in regard to their discussions.

The Briggs Committee, the  source also noted, had pleaded with the academic Union to suspend the continued strike, and promised that their concerns would be included in 2023 Budget.

Stakeholders’ efforts at resolving crisis in the University system

It should also be noted that ever since the recent industrial dispute began early this year, several groups and individuals also, have intervened in the burning issue in the University system.

Mr. Femi Falana, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on Sunday, urged the Federal Government to sign the renegotiated agreement with the striking varsity workers.

Falana in a statement declared that “instead of engaging in the diversionary tactics of blackmailing ASUU, the Federal Government should ensure that the strike is called off by signing the Renegotiated Agreement with ASUU without any further delay.

“While calling on both sides to resume the negotiations in the interest of the country the Federal Government should be prevailed upon to end the prolonged industrial action.”

Lecturers resorting to farming, others for survival –ASUU

In view of the seemingly unending industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the leadership of the Union revealed that lecturers are opting to engage in non-academic activities to make a living.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, said the government’s decision not to meet the Union’s demands was hurting Nigeria.

Government applying ‘no work, no pay’ rule to striking lecturers

However, as activities in public universities remain limited amid ASUU, Malam  Adamu Adamu, Honourable Minister for Education, told reporters in the State House, Abuja, that ASUU rejected the government’s proposal over the “no work, no pay” rule.

Subsequently, the Union has insisted the government must pay for the six months during which its members exited classrooms February 2022.

Meanwhile, as a means of survival, Prof. Osodeke said: “So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives.

“So many more will leave even after the strike too.

“I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table, look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers.”

The ASUU President also stated: “It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg.

“Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”

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