ASUU Gives Update As Strike Enters 16 Weeks

President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has been accused by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of attempting to use non-payment of salary to break them.

The union commended their members for their commitment and steadfastness in the patriotic struggle for the survival of the University system in our country.

According to ASUU, the union has had five meetings with the Federal Government Team and two meetings with the Minister of Education.

ASUU disclosed that its 2009 agreement with the federal government is progressing smoothly and has reached an advanced stage.

The National President of the union, Emmanuel Osodeke on Thursday released a circular which reads, “Our roll-over strike is 16 weeks old now. As the struggle continues, members are commended for their commitment and steadfastness in the patriotic struggle for the survival of the University system in our country.

“Members are particularly applauded for keeping faith with the Union despite the hardship imposed on our families as a result of the stoppage of salaries. You have made the statement loud and clear that we are not beggars and, as a result, hunger is an impotent instrument to break our resolve.

“Our iron-cast resolve has forced the government to sit down and negotiate with us. We have had five meetings with the Federal Government Team and two meetings with the Minister of Education.

“The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement of ASUU-FGN agreement is progressing smoothly and has reached an advanced stage. However, we must remain focused on the end of this struggle.

“UTAS has been tested for the 3rd time. So far NITDA has tested UTAS and USPS and will start testing IPPIS next week. We are undeterred by the antic of some government officials in this respect.

“It is clear that hunger, misinformation, distortion of facts, intimidation and other sundry acts of arm-twisting have failed to break our resolve to date; they should not break us now.

“Ignore fake news and divisive information emanating from the social media and a section of the press. If in doubt over any issue, contact your chairperson for correct information. We are at the threshold of victory. Let us keep faith with the Union. A people united can never be defeated.”

The lecturers are demanding to fund for the revitalisation of public universities, Earned Academic Allowances, use of the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) and promotion arrears.