ASUU warns of strike due to lack of varsities councils.

ASUU warns of strike due to lack of varsities councils.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again raised the specter of industrial action, potentially disrupting the relative peace in the university system. The latest threat comes as ASUU demands the immediate constitution of governing councils for universities, a key issue that has been lingering since the assumption of office by the current administration.

NewsReport Nigeria reports that in a press briefing held at its headquarters in Abuja, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed deep concern over the deteriorating living conditions of academics. He highlighted the failure of the government to fulfill promises made to address the issues that led to the nationwide strike in 2022, which lasted from February to October.

Osodeke painted a grim picture of the situation, citing reports of Nigerian academics facing dire circumstances, with some losing their lives and many others suffering from serious health issues due to work-related stress, poverty, and insecurity. He criticized the recent salary increment approved by the Federal Government, stating that even with the raise, the take-home pay of a professor remains woefully inadequate, especially in light of increased taxation.

The ASUU leadership is calling on the government to expedite the process of reviewing and signing the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement as a gesture of goodwill towards public universities in Nigeria. They also demand immediate action to address the issue of governing councils, emphasizing that failure to do so could lead to a potentially avoidable industrial crisis.

Furthermore, Osodeke reiterated ASUU’s stance on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), maintaining their opposition to the system. The union remains steadfast in its commitment to defending university autonomy and academic freedom.

In a strong statement, Osodeke condemned the government’s apparent reluctance to address the union’s concerns and the violation of university autonomy. He announced that the National Executive Council of ASUU will reconvene in two weeks to assess the situation and decide on decisive actions to address the unresolved issues.

The looming threat of a strike by ASUU underscores the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and concrete actions to address the grievances of academics in Nigeria. The government must heed the union’s calls for reform and demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the working conditions and welfare of university staff. Failure to do so risks further destabilizing an already fragile educational system and undermining the future of higher education in the country.