The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has expressed concerns over the Federal Government’s ongoing failure to resolve critical issues in Nigeria’s university system, warning that a fresh strike may be inevitable if these problems persist.
In a statement issued in Makurdi on Wednesday, the Zonal Coordinator, Raphael Amokaha, highlighted that ASUU has refrained from industrial action since the suspension of the 2022 strike out of a commitment to maintaining peace in the education sector.
Amokaha explained that the union has tried to avoid further disruptions by seeking peaceful solutions to the issues at hand, but the government’s continued neglect might leave ASUU with no option but to strike again.
“The Union has made significant efforts to avoid industrial action in our public universities by attempting to resolve these issues amicably,” he said.
Recalling the circumstances that led to the 2022 strike, Amokaha criticized the government for rejecting a negotiated agreement and offering a “take it or leave it” deal, forcing ASUU into action.
“We were compelled into the 2022 strike by the government’s attitude. After five years (2017-2022) of negotiations under three government-appointed chairmen, the government dismissed the reviewed agreement and made a unilateral offer,” he stated.
Amokaha further lamented the continued deterioration of Nigeria’s university system, pointing out that nothing has improved for institutions or staff in the past 15 years.
He noted that ASUU’s attempts to halt the decline and improve staff welfare have been systematically blocked by the government.
“University workers are the only employees in Nigeria who have not had a salary review in over 15 years,” he emphasized.
He warned that unless the Federal Government shows genuine commitment in negotiations and takes immediate action to resolve long-standing issues, ASUU would be forced to strike again.
Amokaha outlined ASUU’s key demands, including the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee, the release of salaries withheld during the 2022 strike, and the payment of salaries owed to staff on sabbatical, part-time, or adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Additional demands include the release of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions, increased funding for the revitalization of public universities as outlined in the 2023 federal budget, payment of Earned Academic Allowances, and addressing the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments.
Amokaha concluded by placing responsibility on the government, stating, “The ball is now in the government’s court. If we go on strike, the blame lies squarely with the Federal Government.”