ASUU On The Edge: Union To Decide On Nationwide Strike As Protests Begin Tomorrow

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has instructed its branches across the country to conduct a referendum on whether to embark on a nationwide strike.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In addition, the union ordered its chapters to commence protests on campuses, marching from university grounds to the main gates while displaying placards highlighting the plight of lecturers.

A member of ASUU’s national executive, who spoke with Daily Sun, confirmed that each branch had been mandated to convene a congress where members would vote on the proposed industrial action.

He explained that the results of the referendums would be forwarded to zonal coordinators and later presented at an NEC meeting, where a final decision would be taken.

“The nationwide congresses will also determine the nature of the strike—whether indefinite or staggered,” the official said.

He further disclosed that protests would be held simultaneously across all public universities.

“From the congress, branches are expected to begin protests against the Federal Government’s failure to implement the union’s demands, marching from within the universities to their main gates. Chairmen and union leaders will also address the public on the unresolved issues while displaying placards,” he stated.

ASUU’s Key Demands Include:

• Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement

• Reinstatement of sacked members in two state universities

• Payment of the withheld 25/35 percent salary increment

• Settlement of promotion arrears

• Discontinuation of IPPIS as a salary payment platform

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said the union had run out of patience after more than two years of stalled negotiations and unfulfilled promises.

He rejected the Federal Government’s proposed loan scheme for university workers, describing it as a “poisoned chalice,” and accused the Tinubu administration of deliberately stalling renegotiations while ignoring arrears and revitalisation funds.

“Trust has been destroyed by the government. It is now up to them to either rebuild it to avert a strike or allow the strike to proceed,” Piwuna warned.