By Tunbosun Ogundare, November 1, 2024
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has provided insight into why it has not yet declared a nationwide strike, despite recent threats to do so. In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of substantial action regarding the union’s pressing concerns, particularly the payment of withheld salaries.
Osodeke clarified that ASUU is not opposed to the ongoing strikes by the Senior Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), asserting that these groups have the right to take such action if they see fit.
He noted that ASUU has taken all necessary steps to address their issues with the government, including engaging with the newly formed Renegotiation Team. However, he lamented that meaningful progress has yet to be made. “There has been nothing tangible from the government, including a timeline for the payment of our three and a half months of withheld salaries,” Osodeke stated.
While ASUU members have overwhelmingly supported a strike—with 90% approval—Osodeke explained that the union has chosen to hold off on immediate action. “We want to give the government the benefit of the doubt and allow the Renegotiation Team some time to present solutions,” he said.
The union is currently waiting to see what the committee will propose, but Osodeke emphasized that if no concrete progress is made, ASUU will not hesitate to declare a strike. “We are exhausting all opportunities so that if we do decide to strike, it will be clear that the responsibility lies with the government,” he concluded, reaffirming the union’s commitment to seeking a resolution through dialogue before resorting to industrial action.
