By Milcah Tanimu
The perennial conflict between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities has become a deeply ingrained tradition in the Nigerian education system. This is a result of the government’s apparent disregard for the welfare of staff members of tertiary institutions, particularly universities. The strikes have consistently hindered progress in the education system, with the first recorded strike occurring in 1988 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.).
The first ASUU strike presented three key demands to the then government: the implementation of the Elongated University Salary Scale, the establishment of a robust committee for joint negotiations to resolve crises between the Federal Government and university staff, and the quest for university autonomy.
In response to the strike, the Babangida military regime proscribed ASUU and seized its properties. ASUU members faced severe maltreatment, including detention, torture, and seizure of passports. Notable victims detained included Prof. Attahiru Jega, Dr Festus Iyayi, Dr F. Dimowo, and Mr E. Amade.
Despite the severe maltreatment faced by key leaders of the union under the military dictatorship, ASUU’s struggle persisted. In response, ASUU sought alternative means to safeguard the welfare of university staff, leading to the establishment of the University Lecturers Association.
Unfortunately, the long and agonising battle between the government and ASUU has yet to reach its final stage since the establishment of the union. Every administration has witnessed ASUU embarking on strikes. When will the university strikes finally come to an end? Don’t we have a Ministry of Education in Nigeria? Can’t they develop long-term plans for the education sector to avert crises?
30% of Nigerian teachers left service in three years -UBEC boss
The immediate past Muhammadu Buhari administration exacerbated and worsened the ASUU situation by employing tactics and strategies that undermined the education system. These actions included withholding salaries and unnecessary litigation, which only served to prolong the issues beyond a reasonable resolution time.
Regrettably, the government and parents have continually viewed ASUU as an adversary to the country’s education sector. It is often forgotten that the ASUU struggles extend beyond staff welfare to encompass the interests of parents, students, and the very survival of the education sector. One cannot help but wonder what would become of our universities without ASUU. Undoubtedly, our universities would have devolved into glorified primary and secondary schools, lacking the academic rigour and excellence that ASUU has fought to maintain. This misconception stems from a lack of understanding regarding ASUU’s objectives and aims, which are geared towards reforming and enhancing the education sector.
The union’s commitment and dedication to advocating improved university conditions, academic freedom, and staff welfare has been misinterpreted by the public as an obstacle to progress. It is essential to recognise ASUU’s efforts as a crucial step towards revitalising the education system.
During electioneering, President Bola Tinubu pledged to bring an end to strikes in our universities. Therefore ASUU, parents and students have a reason to expect a new era of positive change. However, in a surprising turn of events, ASUU has issued a notice strike to the Federal Government, leaving many to wonder why the union has chosen this course of action despite Tinubu’s promise of reforms. The current strike notice presents another challenge for the government to address the longstanding issues plaguing the education system.
Tinubu should honour and fulfil its promise of a strike-free academic calendar in government-owned universities by acceding to the legitimate demands of ASUU, thereby guaranteeing an uninterrupted and enhanced learning environment for students.
