The Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has threatened to go on an indefinite all-out strike as a result of the refusal of the federal government of Nigeria to keep to the promises that were made earlier this year .
The Union in owerri zone stated that the generosity of ASUU has resulted in the development of various memorandums of understandings between both parties and also cooperative agreements to work together cooperatively and achieve the agreed upon agenda during a press conference held at the Nnamdi azikiwe University, Awka on Monday. This agreement however, have been rejected and ignored by the Federal government since 2009.
Various leaders of the Union were present at the press conference held at Awka (Anambra State), also in attendance was the ASUU zonal coordinator, Mr. Uzo Onyebinama, and he was addressing the press. He explained that some lecturers were being owed a salary of 10 months and above.
"As we speak, the federal government is behind on certain components of the agreement of 2009 which include the funding for the revitalization of the public universities, academic allowances and re-negotiations for the 2009 agreement."
"The consequence of the reluctance and refusal of the federal government to honour this agreement has led to this impending all out strike that can begin at any moment and once it starts will not stop until all agreed plans are fulfilled to the latter."
Also at the Benin ASUU zone, it was stated as a form of reminder that this impending strike by the lecturers of the public universities is not intended to the derail academic activities but instead to get the attention of the government so that they can act on their agreed plans.
The Benin ASUU zonal coordinator, Prof. Fred Esumeh bemoaned the current situation.
He stated that, "in the most civilized parts of the world they embark on strikes less frequently before the government attends to the situation but here in Nigeria the Union will have to go on countless amount of strikes before they can get the federal government's attention."
He also spoke about the under payment most lecturers earned at the public universities, calling it a slave wage and demanded a new condition for service.
"The Nigerian universities are no more attractive to foreign professors whether from within Africa or outside Africa. Due to the underpayment and the frequency at which salaries are being owed. A highly qualified professor earns lower than ₦500,000 per month."
Just last year, 2020, ASUU embarked on a six-month long strike due to this same issue, it was finally resolved in January of this year. Now that the Federal government has refused to keep their end of the deal another strike is on the horizon.
Personally, as a student of a Federal University, after going through last year's ordeal, I really want the Federal Government and the Academic Union to find a common ground and resolve this issue before it goes out of control.
The possibility of another all-out strike nationwide will cause so many youths to be idle once again and could lead to more harm than good in the society.
Other means to resolving this conflict should be explored, because the truth is if the Federal Government and Academic Union do not find another means, the students will be the ones caught in this crossfire.
I'm tired of doing a 5-Years course for over 5 years now but still remaining in 300 level. Another thing is if they manage to settle the dispute after the strike, the rate at which they'll rush the students will be detrimental. Just imagine, after trying to get a good result and staying in 300level for over 5 years you finally end up graduating but with a useless result. Hopefully the strike will not commence and if at all it does, it should not last long.
These are my thoughts on this topic and I will also like to know yours in the comments below. Don't forget to subscribe for more.
Thank you for reading.
