The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may soon embark on another industrial action, intensifying their mobilization efforts among members across the nation.
The President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodoke, confirmed the potential strike during a statement on Thursday, expressing deep concerns over the government’s persistent failure to honor agreements and sign newly negotiated terms with the union.
Professor Osodoke highlighted the union’s frustrations, noting that the government has repeatedly ignored the union’s plights.
“We are mobilising our members currently as we may possibly embark on strike action but we will meet soon to determine that,” Osodoke said.
“The government has failed to listen to our plights. They even failed to honour agreements or sign newly reached agreements.
Since the rumour of the strike action broke out, no one has reached out to us.”
The union’s primary contention revolves around a 2009 agreement that has seen numerous negotiations without a resolution.
This historical context underscores the enduring tension between ASUU and the Nigerian government, with both parties failing to reach a lasting accord.
In October 2022, ASUU initiated a strike that spanned eight months, significantly disrupting the academic calendar and affecting thousands of students nationwide.
The strike was suspended following extensive appeals from the Nigerian public, the then-President Muhammadu Buhari, and the then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a statement issued by Professor Osodoke at the time, ASUU acknowledged the efforts of these leaders and other concerned Nigerians who intervened in the dispute.
“While appreciating the commendable efforts of the leadership of the House of Representatives and other patriotic Nigerians who waded into the matter, NEC noted with regrets that the issues in dispute are yet to be satisfactorily addressed,” the statement read.
“However, as a law-abiding union and in deference to appeals by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, and in recognition of the efforts of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and other well-meaning Nigerians, ASUU NEC resolved to suspend the strike action embarked upon on 14th February 2022.”
PLATFORM TIMES reports that despite these interventions, the unresolved issues continue to fester, leading ASUU to consider yet another strike.
It was gathered that the National Executive Council of the union is expected to convene soon to decide on the next steps, including the possibility and timing of the industrial action.
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