ASUU Threatens Strike Over Unmet Demands, Citing Looming Crisis In Education Sector

ASUU Threatens Strike Over Unmet Demands, Citing Looming Crisis In Education Sector

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stark warning of a potential strike if the Federal Government fails to honor its commitment to release the allocated N170 billion for university revitalization, sparking fears of renewed disruption in the education sector…..READ ALSO ASUU Mourns Losses: 46 Members Succumb To Economic Hardship

In a press conference held in Lagos, Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, the coordinator of ASUU’s Lagos zone, sounded the alarm on the unresolved issues plaguing the nation’s universities. The union, representing a consortium of prestigious institutions including the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU), raised concerns over the government’s failure to address critical issues affecting the academic community.

Key grievances highlighted by Prof. Odukoya include the delay in releasing revitalization funds, proliferation of universities without adequate financial support, and the lingering delay in renegotiating the 2009 Agreement. Additionally, ASUU expressed discontent with the use of the “deceptive IPPIS” payment platform and the withholding of salaries, among other issues.

The union condemned the previous administration’s “No-Work No-Pay” policy and emphasized the financial strain it placed on lecturers, particularly amid the current economic challenges facing the nation.

Despite partial payments of withheld salaries, ASUU deems the actions insufficient and calls for urgent and comprehensive measures to address the grievances raised.

Prof. Odukoya urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene swiftly to avert another strike, stressing the urgent need for increased funding and attention to the deteriorating state of public universities.

ASUU’s call for solidarity extends to the media, labor movements, student organizations, and civil societies, emphasizing the collective responsibility to support the academic community’s quest for a better educational infrastructure in Nigeria.