‘Our issues not satisfactorily addressed’ — ASUU gives reasons for ending strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says its demands have not been satisfactorily addressed despite the agreement to call off the strike.

The national executive council (NEC) of ASUU resolved to suspend the industrial action during its overnight meeting from Thursday to Friday.

TheCable had reported that ASUU would release a memo formally announcing the NEC’s decision.

In the memo released and signed by Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU’s president, the union said some of its issues remain unresolved.

“NEC deliberated on the recommendations of the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila-led committee within the framework of the FGN/ASU’s Memorandum of Action(MoA) of 2020 on the contending issues that led to the strike action,” the memo reads.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the issues include funding for revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowances, proliferation of public universities, visitation panels/release of white papers, university transparency and accountability solution (UTAS) as a broad spectrum software to stop illegality and provide for an alternative payment platform in the university system, renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.

“While appreciating the commendable efforts of the leadership of the house of representatives and other patriotic Nigerians who waded into the matter, NEC noted with regrets that the issues in dispute are yet to be satisfactorily addressed.

“However, as a law-abiding union and in deference to appeals by the president, major general Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and in recognition of the efforts of Hon. Gbajabiamila, and other well-meaning Nigerians, ASUU NEC resolved to suspend the strike action embarked upon on February 14, 2022.

“Consequently, all members of ASUU are hereby directed to resume all services hitherto withdrawn with effect from 12:01 on Friday, October 14, 2022.”

ASUU’s decision to call off the strike comes eight months after the union cited demands revolving around revitalising public universities, and a review of lecturers’ salaries and allowances, among other matters as the reason for its action.

Editor’s note: The featured image is a file photo.