ASUU Plans Total Shutdown of Universities December 15
Judex OKORO
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Cross River zone says it will shutdown Nigeria Universities system from December 15 over the unresolved renegotiated 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.
The zonal coordinator, Dr Ikechuku Igwenyi, who addressed the media on Monday in Calabar, said the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement was not a gift but an obligation to Nigerian University Lecturers.
He emphasised that the government owes lecturers their due wages and her citizens, the dignity of decent and functional education.
He noted that in spite of several windows of opportunities given to the government to resolve the issue, it has consistently failed in that regard.
"Occasioned by broken promises, shattered dreams, and deepening crises in the education sector, we hereby express deep concern over government’s inconsistency and dilatory approach to agrcements, engagements and negotiations.
"This grand standing and posture of never let them have their way is not the best approach as there is no competition and therefore a winner or loser.
"We will continue to defend the university system, not only for ourselves, but for the millions of Nigerian youths whose dreams depend on it," he declared.
The coordinator, who said the only way that the proposed strike can be averted is if the government meets their demands, listed the demands to include completion of renegotiation and full implementation of the agreements with timelines.
Other demands are fair remuneration and improved work conditions for academic staff to curb the exodus of talent.
Simirlarly, "we demand the immediate release of the three and half months outstanding salaries and all withheld salaries.
"Refund of all third party deductions and payment of all arrears of promotion, and payment of outstanding 25-35 percent wage award with the consequential adjustment.
"Others are adequate budgetary allocation to education, in line with UNESCO’s benchmark of at least 15-26 percent of the national budget and sustainable funding of Nigerian universities.
"Finally, the immediate release of revitalization funds for public universities, and espect for university autonomy and an end to the imposition of policies that undermine academic freedom."
The union called on traditional leaders, parents, students and as well as the general public to hold the federal government responsible should they (ASUU) embark on strike.
"The federal government should be held responsible for the breakdown in the already fragile industrial harmony and the total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action that will follow," he concluded.
