“We’re tired of the government’s excuses.” ASUU threatens a nationwide strike over worsening University conditions

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that a nationwide strike may be imminent due to the worsening conditions in Nigeria’s public universities and the government’s alleged disregard for agreements. In a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, the union said the government had “pushed it to the wall.”

For further information on education, read more details here

ASUU painted a grim picture of the realities faced by lecturers across the country, stating, “Feelers across campuses indicate that lecturers in Nigerian public universities are, to put it mildly, not happy. They teach students on empty stomachs. They conduct research in libraries and laboratories bereft of essential electronic and physical journals, books, chemicals, and reagents.”

The union accused successive governments of undermining collective bargaining principles and selectively implementing agreements. “The flip-flop disposition of successive governments towards collective bargaining has created an atmosphere of distrust which will take extra effort and energy on the part of the current Federal Government to dispel,” ASUU stated

ASUU also criticised recent government initiatives, such as the “Diaspora Bridge” programme, saying, “On what foundation will the bridge stand? Does this not amount to hypocrisy? Nigerian governments have distracted and deceived university lecturers for too long.”

For further information on education, read more details here

The union expressed concerns over political interference in university leadership, stating, “Universities that are built on merit and scholarship are being turned into commodities for politicians and contractors in the appointment of vice chancellors.”

ASUU concluded with a warning, “For the umpteenth time, ASUU invites all genuine patriots to prevail on Nigeria’s Federal and State Governments to address all lingering labour issues in the Nigerian university system to avert another looming industrial crisis.” Nigerian academics are tired of governments’ excuses.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post