Fatshimetrie: Call for Government Accountability in Face of Possible University Strike
As public universities in Nigeria find themselves once again on the brink of a possible strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a clear warning to the federal authorities and called on Nigerians to hold the government accountable if academic activities are disrupted.
ASUU stressed that it has made every effort to avert an imminent strike but the government and its agents have not demonstrated sincerity in their dealings with the union. In a statement from the ASUU-Nsukka zone, the Zonal Coordinator, Raphael Amokaha, recalled the issues that led to a prolonged strike in 2022 and warned of a similar scenario looming on the horizon.
The major sticking points include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement, underfunding of public universities, the forced usurpation of the functions of university treasury departments by the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS) and concomitant issues arising from this violation of university autonomy, as well as the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) to its members, among others.
Despite ASUU’s efforts to avoid industrial action since the suspension of the last national strike in October 2022, the current government has paid scant heed to the union’s demands, thereby fostering a climate of contempt for the calls of a patriotic and dedicated intellectual union.
The union has demonstrated consistent patriotism and dedication over the past seven years, trying all means to avoid further disruption to the academic activities of public universities. Despite media interactions, protests and meetings to seek common ground with the government, the government has been nonchalant, non-committal and evasive in its meetings.
ASUU-Nsukka is convinced that the time has come for the government to demonstrate conscience and commitment to the agreements reached with the union. If the government allows things to continue to the point of an inevitable strike, it will be held solely responsible for this crisis. An amicable resolution of the issues raised is essential to avoid the redundant and disastrous scenario of a university strike.
It is imperative that the government takes the issue of education seriously, as the future of the youth and the nation depends on it. Future generations cannot be sacrificed for short-term political planning. It is high time to recognise the critical role of education in building a prosperous nation.
In conclusion, ASUU-Nsukka urges the government to act responsibly and prioritise education for the well-being of the youth and the nation. Eternal campaign promises must give way to concrete and engaging actions. It is time for the government to show good faith and proactively address these issues for the sake of all stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s education system.