Amanze Chinonye
Academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities have been brought to a halt as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) begins a two-week warning strike.
The industrial action, which commenced today, follows the union’s claim that the Federal Government has yet to fully implement the 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement.
ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, confirmed the commencement of the strike, saying it became necessary after the expiration of the union’s 14-day ultimatum to the government.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We have exhausted all avenues of dialogue. The government continues to make promises without fulfillment,” Piwuna said in Abuja.
FG Invokes ‘No Work, No Pay’
The Federal Government has responded by invoking the “No Work, No Pay” rule, warning that lecturers who down tools will not receive salaries during the strike period.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government has addressed several of ASUU’s concerns, including withheld allowances and promotion arrears.
“Almost all of their demands have been substantially met,” Alausa stated. “Matters that fall under university governing councils should be resolved at that level, not through national strikes.”
READ ALSO: ASUU Strike Looms As Union Rejects FG’s Loan Scheme, Demands Unpaid Salaries, 2009 Agreement
ASUU Declares Nationwide Strike Over FG’s Broken Promises
ASUU’s Core Demands
The union’s demands include:
- Signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement;
- Payment of withheld salaries and promotion arrears;
- Settlement of salary differentials; and
- Release of revitalisation funds for infrastructure in universities.
ASUU also seeks the release of withheld third-party deductions such as union dues and cooperative contributions.
Checks across public universities indicate compliance with the strike directive. Lectures and examinations have been suspended, while some institutions have advised students to remain at home pending further notice.
“We were preparing for our exams when the notice came. Everything has been paused,” said Adewale Akinlabi, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University.
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the strike, stating that its members will continue teaching.
Uncertainty Ahead
The warning strike is scheduled to last two weeks. ASUU has said it will review developments at the end of the period before deciding on further action.
For now, lecture halls remain empty and learning disrupted as both sides hold firm to their positions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
