The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its decision to commence a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by October 13.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, announced this on Monday during an Orientation and Leadership Training themed “Understanding the Principles of the Union” at the Niger Delta University branch of the union in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
Piwuna said the union had already taken a firm stance and would not reconsider its decision, stressing that the strike would begin at midnight on Monday if the government does not act. He added that after the two-week warning strike, ASUU would review the situation and decide whether to embark on a full-blown, indefinite strike.
He lamented that the Federal Government has yet to sign and implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, despite years of dialogue. According to him, ASUU has exercised enough patience, but the government’s inaction has forced the union to take this route.
Speaking on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Piwuna criticised the initiative, arguing that loans are unsuitable in a struggling economy where unemployment and poverty are high. He urged the government to offer grants instead, adding that recent reports of NELFUND spending ₦14 billion on personnel confirm the union’s concerns.
ASUU’s National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, urged members to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability, while the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Ezekiel Agbalagba, encouraged collaboration and adherence to ASUU’s guiding principles.
Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Allen Agih, commended the training and suggested it be held regularly due to its relevance.
About the Author
