Despite the recent release of a sum of N52.5bn by the Federal Government to the universities, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has indicated an impending strike nationwide.
ASUU said the release of N30bn Revitalisation Fund and N22.5bn Earned Academic Allowance have not changed anything over the issues it has with government.
ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, was quoted in an interview with Sunday PUNCHthat there was a possibility that the union would still go on strike, unless the government addressed its demands, including the 2009 agreement.
Describing the release by the government as a mere token, Osodeke said it is not enough for varsity dons to change their minds on the suspended strike.
Osodeke stated, “There is an agreement and we want them to implement the agreement. The issue is not about money. There is the issue of renegotiation, there is the issue of resuscitation of the universities, and there is the issue of UTAS. So, you don’t just come and throw a little money and think the challenge has been resolved.
“This is what our political class is doing. They believe that once they throw a little money, everybody will run back. That is the problem. So, it is not about the token they have given. There are more fundamental issues.”
Saying there is every possibility the strike would happen in the new year, Osodeke said the union decided to shelve the strike earlier because the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council intervened and promised to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the agreement.
He said, “Our going on strike is a possibility. The only reason we relaxed is because a group, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, intervened. We respect the group so much. The group told us they would intervene and they would ensure that the government implements our agreement. That is why we agreed to the benefit of the Federal Government.
“So, we decided we will give the Federal Government till the end of this year (2021) and see what it will do. Other groups also intervened. That explained why we relaxed going on strike, so that they will not say ASUU likes going on strike.
“The Federal Government should do the needful by embracing the agreement to prevent ASUU from going on strike. Nigeria as a whole will suffer the brunt of ASUU going on strike.”