The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it is prepared for the “mother of all strikes” if the Federal Government fails to implement the demands outlined in their 2009 agreements. The union issued the threat during a news conference in Calabar, where the chairman of the University of Calabar (Unical) chapter, Dr. Peter Ubi, stated that the industrial action would begin once the national body gives the directive after a meeting scheduled for August 28.
Dr. Ubi said the time has come for the government to fulfill the lingering agreements meant to lift the standard of university education in the country. The union’s demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, sustainable funding for Nigerian universities, and the revitalization of the academic system. Additionally, ASUU is demanding the payment of outstanding wage awards, salary arrears, promotion arrears, and the remittance of third-party deductions.
The union has accused the government of insincerity and of using delay tactics to avoid meeting its obligations. Dr. Ubi noted that despite several strategies and attempts to resolve the conflict, the government has paid “deaf ears” to their demands, leaving the union with no option but to resort to industrial action. The potential strike could once again shut down academic activities across the country, further disrupting the academic calendar and frustrating students and parents.
ASUU’s announcement comes against the backdrop of its recent rejection of the government’s proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), which the union has dismissed as a “ploy” to conscript its members into a loan scheme. The union has also been staging nationwide protests to press its demands and raise public awareness of the issues. The looming strike is a culmination of months of frustration and a clear signal that the union is no longer willing to negotiate in good faith.
