Makurdi – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has raised an alarm over the federal government’s continued failure to address critical issues affecting the nation’s university system, warning that another strike could be inevitable if the situation persists.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Zonal Coordinator Raphael Amokaha expressed frustration over the government’s persistent neglect of the education sector, highlighting the Union’s past restraint and commitment to avoiding industrial disharmony. He noted that the decision to suspend the 2022 strike was made out of patriotism and selflessness, but the ongoing neglect has left ASUU with few options.
Issues Leading to Potential Strike
Amokaha recounted how ASUU was compelled to go on strike in 2022 after years of unsuccessful negotiations, where the government dismissed a reviewed agreement spanning five years (2017-2022) and instead imposed a “take it or leave it” offer. Despite the Union’s consistent efforts to engage the government constructively, little progress has been made in resolving the core issues affecting Nigerian universities.
“The Union has bent backwards to avoid industrial disharmony by seeking amicable resolutions. However, the government’s continuous neglect is pushing us towards a point of no return,” Amokaha said.
Deterioration of Nigerian Universities
Amokaha lamented the ongoing deterioration of the nation’s universities, noting that the situation has worsened over the past fifteen years with no significant change in conditions for both institutions and their staff. He criticized the government for frustrating all efforts to halt the decay and revitalize universities, as well as blocking attempts to improve the welfare of university workers.
He further pointed out that university workers remain the only group of employees in Nigeria who have not had a salary review in over fifteen years, adding to the growing discontent within the academic community.
Government’s Failure to Address Core Issues
Despite ASUU’s repeated press conferences, protests, and town hall meetings aimed at impressing upon the government the need to act, Amokaha stated that all efforts have been in vain. Key demands from the Union include:
- Completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft.
- Payment of three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
- Release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
- Payment of outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
- Adequate funding for the revitalization of public universities as indicated in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
- Payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
- Addressing the proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments.
A Looming Crisis
Amokaha warned that unless the government is sincere in addressing these issues, ASUU would have no choice but to resort to industrial action again. He stressed that if a strike occurs, the blame will lie squarely with the Federal Government.
“The ball is now in the government’s court,” Amokaha concluded, urging the government to take immediate steps to prevent another crisis.
The growing unrest within the academic community continues to put pressure on the Federal Government to fulfill its promises to improve the nation’s higher education system. The looming strike may further deepen the challenges facing Nigeria’s already struggling university system.
