ASUU Issues Warning: FG To Blame For Any Future University Strikes

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning, declaring that the responsibility for any potential strike in public universities will squarely rest on the Federal Government.

This announcement came during a protest rally organized by the University of Lagos branch of ASUU, which garnered significant participation from both lecturers and students.

The rally, an outcome of a union congress, voiced strong support for ASUU’s stance on the government’s unmet commitments. Participants expressed their frustrations through placards and chants, highlighting grievances over years of unfulfilled promises dating back to 2009.

Addressing the crowd at the university’s main gate, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, the branch chairman, emphasized the union’s dwindling patience with the government’s failure to address their demands despite assurances.

“The current administration has repeatedly promised to meet our demands, yet nothing tangible has been done,” Prof. Adebayo stated. He urged parents and students to understand ASUU’s stance and hold the government accountable for potential disruptions in the academic calendar.

Former branch chairman Dr. Dele Ashiru underscored that the protest aimed to draw attention to the pressing challenges facing the university system, particularly the inadequate remuneration of lecturers.

“We have engaged with government officials, including the National Assembly, and yet for 15 years, our issues remain unresolved,” Dr. Ashiru lamented. He stressed that the government must address outstanding salary payments, earned academic allowances, and other union demands to ensure academic stability.

Dr. Michael Oloyede, another ASUU member, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the dire financial plight of university lecturers nationwide.

“If the government understands only the language of strikes, then we will use it,” Dr. Oloyede affirmed. He emphasized that lecturers cannot continue working under financial strain and urged the government to honor its commitments to ASUU.

The union concluded by affirming that the decision on any future strike action would be determined by its National Executive Council, emphasizing that the Federal Government should bear full responsibility if such actions disrupt academic activities across Nigerian campuses.