ASUU Strike: NLC to Convene Meeting as Ultimatum Expires Today

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set to convene an emergency meeting to decide on the next course of action as the ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike expires today. The NLC had given the government a four-week ultimatum to resolve the lingering crisis in public tertiary institutions

The crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector has been ongoing, with ASUU demanding the implementation of the 2009 agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and improved funding for universities. The NLC has expressed solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary education unions, warning that the government must take decisive action to resolve the issues

NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that the era of signing agreements without implementation is over. He stated, “The era of signing agreements, negotiations, and threatening the unions involved has come to an end.” The NLC has vowed to take nationwide action if the government fails to conclude negotiations within the stipulated timeframe

The Federal Government has released funds for university funding, but ASUU has described the measures as inadequate. The government has urged ASUU to return to negotiations, but the union insists that its demands must be met

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent action to avert the looming strike. NANS Assistant Secretary-General Adejuwon Olatunji-Emmanuel urged the government to take “urgent, decisive, and lasting action” to address the issues surrounding the ASUU strike

The NLC’s meeting today will determine the next course of action, including potential industrial action. The government must take decisive steps to resolve the crisis and prevent a prolonged strike.