The University of Nigeria, Nsukka branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has declared its readiness to join a nationwide indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to address the union’s demands.
Oyibo Eze, Chairman of ASUU-UNN, made the statement on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Nsukka following the union’s congress and a subsequent protest rally by members.
Eze warned that the government would bear responsibility for any nationwide strike, noting that its continued failure to implement agreements reached with ASUU since 2009 shows that education is not a priority.
“The government’s inability to fulfil agreements with our union since 2009 is deeply unfortunate. It demonstrates a clear disregard for education,” he said.
The protest rally, organised in line with directives from ASUU’s national leadership, aimed to appeal to the government to honour its commitments. Eze explained that members had expressed their willingness to participate in any nationwide strike ordered by the union if their demands remain unmet.
“Our congress urged the government to implement all agreements with ASUU and to pay the three-and-a-half months of salaries owed to our members. That is why you see a large turnout for today’s protest. Enough is enough,” Eze stated.
The ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) is scheduled to meet on September 2, following discussions with the Federal Government on August 28, to determine the next course of action.
Reports are that protesters marched through major roads on campus, concluding at the university’s administrative building.
Addressing the demonstrators, UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, commended the union for conducting a peaceful protest. He urged ASUU to consider a nationwide strike only as a last resort after exploring all possible avenues to resolve issues with the government. The VC also promised to forward the union’s demands to the Federal Ministry of Education.
Placards carried by protesting members included messages such as: “Federal Government, honour the 2009 ASUU agreement,” “Our wives and children are hungry; pay our three-and-a-half months’ salaries,” and “FG, please pay lecturers’ wage awards of 25% and 35%.”
Recently, ASUU’s national leadership directed branches to stage campus protest rallies and conduct referenda in congress to seek backing for a proposed strike.
