The Academic Staff Union of Universities has formally notified the Federal Government of its intention to embark on a nationwide strike, giving a 21-day notice as required by law.
According to The PUNCH, the notice was issued following a meeting of the union’s National Executive Council held at the University of Ibadan. The notice is expected to be sent to the Federal Ministries of Labour and Education in the coming days.
A source within ASUU’s NEC explained, “It is not an ultimatum but a strike notice. We are giving them 21 days’ notice, after which we shall embark on strike. Our aim for putting out the notice is that it is a requirement under labour laws, so we are trying to ensure that all our actions are done according to the law.”
This move by ASUU follows a series of unfulfilled agreements between the union and the Federal Government.
In June, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, held a meeting with ASUU representatives to address lingering issues affecting the nation’s universities and to prevent a potential strike.
Despite the discussions, ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed disappointment, stating that the government had failed to implement the agreements reached.
“At the meeting called by the Minister of Education, we agreed that after two weeks, we would meet to review the progress the government had made. We will also decide our next steps if the government fails to implement the agreements,” Osodeke said.
Among the union’s key demands are the implementation of the 2009 renegotiated agreements, which have been pending for over six years. Additionally, ASUU members are owed accumulated academic allowances dating back several years.
Prof. Osodeke also highlighted the ongoing issue of the revitalization fund, noting that only one payment has been made since 2013, despite an agreement to raise N200 billion yearly for five years to upgrade the country’s universities.
“We need revitalization funds to bring our universities up to standard so that we can attract students and lecturers from outside the country,” he added.
ASUU also criticized the government’s continued approval of new universities without allocating sufficient funds to operate them, further exacerbating the challenges facing the higher education sector.
As the 21-day notice period begins, the possibility of another nationwide strike looms large, with ASUU members prepared to take action if their demands are not met.
