“Apply Pressure on your Ministers to End ASUU Strike,” Orji Kalu tells Buhari
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Orji Kalu, Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify pressure on his ministers to bring an end to the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the senator urged ASUU members to simplify their negotiations with the federal government so that students could resume their academic activities.
“I appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to put more pressure on his ministers and get the students back to class,” he stated.
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Concerns Over Student Welfare
Representing Abia North District in the Senate, Kalu emphasized that many students in his constituency have been significantly affected by the prolonged strike.
“They’ve been on me, and it makes me even more concerned,” he said.
He also acknowledged his limitations as a legislator, noting that he does not have the authority to unilaterally end the strike. Kalu highlighted his record as former governor of Abia State, noting that during his tenure, he never allowed schools to close due to industrial actions.
Strike Worse Than Insecurity
The senator described the ongoing strike as more destabilizing than the nation’s security challenges.
“Nothing destabilises a country more than a lack of education. It’s worse than insecurity,” Kalu said.
He expressed optimism that a resolution is achievable if both the government and ASUU are committed to negotiations.
Context of the Strike
ASUU has maintained the strike for nearly five months over several unresolved issues, including:
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Release of earned allowances for university lecturers
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Disbursement of university revitalization funds
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Renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the federal government
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Deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) platform for lecturer salaries and allowances
The senator’s statement followed a two-day nationwide protest led by the Nigeria Labour Congress against the continued closure of public universities.
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FAQs on ASUU Strike and Orji Kalu’s Statement
What did Orji Kalu say about the ASUU strike?
He urged President Buhari to pressure his ministers to end the strike and called on ASUU to make negotiations simpler to allow students to resume classes.
How long has the ASUU strike lasted?
The strike has lasted nearly five months, affecting universities across Nigeria.
Why is ASUU on strike?
ASUU is demanding: unpaid earned allowances, university revitalization funds, renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, and implementation of the UTAS platform for salary and allowance payments.
What role can Orji Kalu play in ending the strike?
As a senator, Kalu can advocate and appeal to the government but does not have the authority to end the strike himself.
How has the strike impacted students?
Students have been unable to attend classes for several months, causing academic delays and widespread concern among parents and communities.
