By Milcah Tanimu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has instructed its members to participate in the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke issued a directive to zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons across the country to mobilize members for the industrial action.
The nationwide strike was initiated by the NLC and TUC in response to the assault on NLC National President Joe Ajaero on November 1 in Imo State. Despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, the labour unions proceeded with the strike, prompting ASUU’s involvement.
ASUU’s concerns extend beyond the immediate trigger of the strike, addressing broader issues such as the socio-economic crises in Nigeria resulting from the implementation of “neo-liberal economic policies.” The union emphasized rising living costs, increasing hardships, and the impact of unplanned deregulation of petroleum product prices and the devaluation of the Naira.
The ongoing struggle for improved conditions of service, university funding, and the removal of federal universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has strained the relationship between ASUU and the Nigerian government. The union highlighted the failure of successive governments to honor agreements, especially the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.
ASUU’s demands include the revitalization of universities, autonomy and academic freedom, and amendments to the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to curb the proliferation of state universities. The union called on the government to expedite the renegotiation process, release allocated funds for earned academic allowances, and reinstate dissolved university governing councils.
Additionally, ASUU condemned the directive for federal universities to remit 40% of their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to the government, emphasizing that universities are not revenue-generating agencies. The union also criticized the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its continued implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which was imposed despite rejection by university senates and academic/professional associations.
While the federal government recently directed the payment of four out of eight months’ withheld salaries for ASUU members, the union urged unconditional release of all withheld salaries as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to resolving outstanding issues.
The situation reflects a complex web of challenges facing the education sector and broader socio-economic concerns in Nigeria, prompting various unions, including ASUU, to advocate for their members’ rights and welfare.
