The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on strike action over alleged non-implementation of an agreement reached between the union and the federal government.
Speaking with Journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital North Central Nigeria on Friday, the leadership of the Ibadan zone led by its zonal coordinator, Professor Oyebamiji Oyegoke, called on Nigerians to intervene; “At this critical moment before our members withdraw their services.“
The press interaction, which was on the sideline of the celebration of the Human Rights Day on December 10, was used to solicit for full implementation of the 2020 MoA agreement comprising; funding for revitalization of public universities, payment of earned academic allowances, withheld salaries and promotion arrears, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, inconsistencies in IPPIS payment, University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
“Our baseline is the full implementation of 2020 MOA agreement freely signed between the federal government and the union. This calls for a lot of concern. There’s no commitment to an agreement entered into. That’s why we’re using these channels to sensitize people so that they don’t see us as using the strike as the only tool of fighting for our demands.
“While we commend interventions of notable Nigerians in the matter, however, it should be stated here that it is about actions and not deliberations. These are no new demands. Some of our members have not been paid salary since December last year and they’re still working. It shows commitment on our part,“ he said.
Professor Oyegoke, urged the federal government to fully implement the MoA of 2020.
“Selective treatment of issues in dispute instead of a comprehensive approach will no longer be acceptable to our members, We shall no longer take the issue of welfare of our members for granted. Any treatment of MoA of 2020 that precludes its full implementation and rejection of IPPIS will be incomplete.
“The demands of the union are realistic and holistic in the common interest of the country’s educational and developmental pursuits. If nothing is done, we will be left with no other choice than to withdraw our services until reason prevails. The government of the day has demonstrated its intention to embarrass our collective resolve to save university education from total collapse. ASUU cannot succumb to this insensitive disposition.
“As we celebrate the Human Rights Day today, December 10, we recall the declaration of 1948 which acknowledged the struggles of the oppressed people around the world.”
PIAK
