Just In: ASSU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Government’s Inaction

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a warning to the Nigerian government, threatening a nationwide strike if urgent actions are not taken.

The union’s primary grievance stems from the government’s failure to appoint Governing Councils for Federal Universities, a critical administrative oversight.

During a press briefing held at the University of Abuja, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the President of ASUU, expressed deep concern over what he termed the government’s “nonchalant attitude” towards academic affairs in Federal Universities. Osodeke criticized the administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, for neglecting crucial matters affecting the academic community.

“The government’s inaction is unacceptable,” Osodeke asserted during the briefing. “We have given them ample time to address these issues, but they have failed to act.”

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One of the union’s key objections is the recent salary increment announced by the government. ASUU perceives the salary raise, which includes a 35% increase for professors and a 25% increase for other academics, as precarious. Osodeke described it as a “wage award” susceptible to government withdrawal at any time, adding to the uncertainty surrounding academic employment conditions.

Furthermore, ASUU highlighted the dissolution of Governing Councils for Federal Universities as a major concern. Osodeke emphasized the illegality of this action, stating that it contradicts the established principles guiding university governance.

The National Universities Commission’s (NUC) directive, issued on June 22, 2023, to dissolve governing councils, followed President Tinubu’s earlier order to dissolve boards across government parastatals, agencies, and companies. ASUU views these actions as detrimental to the stability and autonomy of higher education institutions.

In response to the government’s inaction, ASUU has set the stage for a potential nationwide strike, signaling its determination to defend the interests of academic staff and uphold the integrity of Nigerian universities. As tensions escalate between the union and the government, the fate of higher education hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive action from authorities to avert a crisis.