The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it will initiate a nationwide strike if the Nigerian Government does not address its demands.
Professor Adelaja Odukoya, the union’s Lagos zone coordinator, stated that the union’s patience is wearing thin due to the Federal Government’s delay and lack of sensitivity towards the challenges faced by its members and public universities. He stressed that the only way to prevent the strike is for the government to respond promptly.
“Our union has reviewed the outcomes of its discussions with the state and federal governments over the past few months regarding the renegotiated 2009 Agreement, unpaid salaries, earned academic allowances (EAA), unremitted deductions by the flawed IPPIS system, the proliferation of universities, and other issues.
“NEC also critically assessed government policies and actions that have led to the worsening living and working conditions in the country, especially in our universities,” he said.
Odukoya noted that many longstanding issues remain unresolved by the government. He criticized the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, saying it contradicts international labor laws that Nigeria has agreed to. He also called the newly established governing councils for federal universities illegal.
Odukoya is advocating for increased funding for public universities, arguing that enhancing their capacity and accessibility will help them compete globally.
