The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU at Yobe State University YSU has announced its decision to continue with the ongoing strike action despite the national suspension of the industrial action by the union’s central leadership. The Yobe chapter of ASUU insists that local issues specific to the institution remain unresolved and therefore justify the continuation of the strike.
Speaking at a press conference in Damaturu on Monday Dr Ahmed Baffa the Chairman of ASUU Yobe State University stated that members of the union at the institution are left with no choice but to maintain their stance due to the inaction of both the state government and the university management in addressing their long-standing grievances.
“While we respect the decision of our national leadership to suspend the strike nationwide it is important to note that our local challenges at Yobe State University are peculiar and have not been given the necessary attention” Dr Baffa stated. “Our members have endured poor working conditions unpaid academic allowances and a blatant disregard for agreements previously reached between the union and the university authorities.”
According to the union the demands include immediate payment of earned academic allowances funding for critical infrastructure at the university and full implementation of agreements reached during earlier negotiations. Dr Baffa emphasized that without tangible steps to address these concerns the union cannot in good conscience ask its members to resume academic duties.
The continued strike has sparked concern among students and parents who are growing increasingly frustrated with the disruption of academic activities. Many students who spoke to our correspondent lamented the uncertainty and expressed fears that their academic future may be jeopardized if the impasse persists.
“This is becoming too much for us” said Amina Ibrahim a third-year student of Political Science. “We just want to go back to class and finish our studies. Every time it feels like the students are the ones paying the price for issues we did not create.”
The university administration has so far remained silent on the matter despite repeated attempts by journalists to obtain an official comment. Meanwhile calls are growing from education stakeholders civil society groups and concerned citizens urging the state government to intervene swiftly and engage in meaningful dialogue with the ASUU Yobe chapter to bring the situation under control.
Some education analysts have noted that the Yobe State situation reflects a broader issue within the Nigerian university system where localized challenges are often masked by national policy actions. They argue that while the national ASUU body may reach agreements with the federal government state-owned universities often suffer neglect when it comes to implementation of policies and funding agreements.
The impasse at Yobe State University now threatens to derail the academic calendar further and may result in a backlog of admissions and delayed graduations if left unresolved. Observers are warning that the continued strike could have long-term consequences on both the quality and accessibility of higher education in the state.
As pressure mounts the ASUU Yobe chapter says it remains open to constructive dialogue but insists that any move toward suspension of the strike must be backed by concrete and verifiable actions from the authorities. For now the academic silence on the university’s campus remains unbroken.
source: gazettengr.com
