The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially joined the ongoing strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). This development follows the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demands for a revised minimum wage.
In a statement addressed to branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators on Monday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke directed university lecturers across the country to participate in the strike as an affiliate of the NLC.
“The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June 2024, due to the Government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reverse the hike in electricity tariffs,” Osodeke stated. “Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of Congress. Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action. Yours in the struggle.”
ASUU had previously considered striking over the Federal Government’s delays in appointing Governing Councils for Federal Universities. The union has criticized the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, for what it perceives as a lack of concern for academic issues within Nigerian Federal Universities.
During a press briefing at the University of Abuja, ASUU also criticized the recent 35% salary increment for professors and the 25% increment for other academic staff, describing these raises as temporary wage awards that could be withdrawn at any time.
The decision to dissolve the governing councils of all federal universities, announced by the National Universities Commission on June 22, 2023, further fueled ASUU’s discontent. This move was part of a broader directive by President Tinubu to dissolve the boards of all government parastatals, agencies, and companies.
ASUU’s participation in the strike underscores the growing unrest within the education sector and adds significant pressure on the Federal Government to address the demands of Nigerian workers. The union has indicated that it may continue its strike action even after the minimum wage issue is resolved with the other striking unions.
Credit: Punch
