ASUU Congress Meeting Ends Today As Branches Votes For Indefinite Strike

Barring a last-minute change, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will declare an indefinite strike over the Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands. Reports have it that most of the over 123 branches of the union have completed their congresses. Others are expected to round off theirs today. An ASUU leader, who declined to be named, said a proposal for the indefinite strike would be ratified and adopted at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of ASUU scheduled for Sunday. He said:

“None of the branches, including the University of Abuja, voted for anything other than an indefinite strike.

“All the branches of ASUU are expected to finish their congresses tomorrow (today) and pass their report to NEC.

“NEC will have to meet and review the decisions of all of the branches and decide on what to do.”

Minister of Education Adamu Adamu had said last week that the insistence of ASUU on the payment of the withheld salaries was stalling negotiations by the parties.

He added that the government had met all the demands of ASUU, except the arrears payment, which President Muhammadu Buhari rejected when a proposal to the effect was presented to him.

Earlier yesterday, the Ibadan zone of ASUU alleged that ‘Undertakers of privatisation’ are waiting in the wings to take over Federal Government–owned universities.

The zone said the main goal of the “undertakers ” was to deny children of the poor a university education.

FAQs: ASUU Congress Meeting and Branch Votes for Indefinite Strike:

What was the purpose of the ASUU congress meeting?

The congress meeting was convened to review ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government, assess the current status of unresolved demands, and determine whether to suspend or escalate the ongoing strike.

Which ASUU branches participated in the meeting?

All active branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) across Nigeria were invited. Each branch had the opportunity to vote on the continuation or suspension of the strike.

What decision was being voted on?

Members voted on whether to call off the strike or extend it indefinitely. The outcome would determine the next course of action in the industrial dispute with the government.

Why are some branches advocating for an indefinite strike?

Branches advocating for an indefinite strike argue that previous agreements have not been fully implemented, including issues such as:

• Unpaid earned allowances

• Funding for the revitalization of universities

• Salary adjustments and implementation of earlier memoranda of understanding

They believe resuming work without resolving these issues would be ineffective.

When will the results of the voting be announced?

The results of the branch votes are expected to be officially released immediately after the congress concludes, and ASUU will communicate the decision to all members and the public.