ASUU Warns of Nationwide Strike, Calls on Lawmakers to Intervene

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if its demands are not met. The union has called on the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and students to intervene and caution the government against pushing them into an avoidable confrontation.

ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator, Professor Adeola Egbedokun, expressed deep concern over the alleged failure of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to attend to the union’s various demands since his assumption of office two years ago. The demands include implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding of Nigerian universities, revitalization of the university system, payment of outstanding salary arrears, and resolution of stagnated promotions.

Egbedokun warned that the consequences of the government’s inaction would be damning, stating that “the clock is ticking, and time is no longer on the government’s side.” He emphasized that the union’s patience has been stretched to its breaking point and that trust has been shattered.

The ASUU leader called on all well-meaning Nigerians to caution the government against pushing them into an avoidable confrontation. He urged the National Assembly, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, National Association of Nigerian Students, and traditional rulers to intervene and ensure that the government takes decisive action to meet the union’s demands.

– Implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
– Sustainable funding of Nigerian universities
– Revitalization of the university system
– Payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears
– Resolution of stagnated promotions
– Unremitted third-party deductions

The situation is critical, and it remains to be seen whether the Federal Government will take action to meet ASUU’s demands and avert a nationwide strike.