FG deliberately pushing lecturers to strike – ASUU

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned Nigerians to hold the Federal Government responsible for an imminent shutdown of public universities, accusing it of deliberately pushing lecturers back to strike.

ASUU’s Benin Zone, which comprises 10 universities, issued the warning on Monday at a press conference held at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.

Speaking on behalf of the zonal chapter, the Coordinator, Prof Monday Igbafen, said the government’s refusal to honour agreements and address worsening conditions in the universities was a clear indication that it wanted to cripple the system.

“We want to tell Nigerians not to hold ASUU responsible but hold the Federal Government accountable for the paralysis that will befall Nigerian universities in a few days to come,” Igbafen declared.

The union listed unresolved issues to include the signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, implementation of reviewed conditions of service, release of withheld salaries and promotion arrears, as well as adequate funding for universities.

Igbafen added, “Since the suspension of our last strike action in October 2022, the Federal Government has yet to make good its promise to actualise the review of our dismal conditions of service. It is yet to sign the draft renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, which our Union views as a significant milestone in the resolution of the issues at hand.

“The satisfactory and conclusive renegotiation of the Agreement and its successful implementation is the only desirable solution to the worsening living and working conditions of staff, the pandemic problem of underfunding and other challenges of university governance in Nigeria. Punch