ASUU-OAU Backs Indefinite Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Obafemi Awolowo University branch, has encouraged the National Executive Council of the union to declare an indefinite strike, The PUNCH reports.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to our correspondent.

The statement, which was signed by the chairman of the branch, Adeola Egbedokun, knocked the Federal Government for “foot-dragging.”

The statement partly read, “Principal Officers of the Union met with the Minister of Education, who presented a ‘Take it or leave it’ offer to the Union. This offer was a far cry from the proposed agreement submitted to the government by the Nimi Briggs-led Committee.

“The government proposed to release one hundred and seventy (170) billion naira for the revitalisation fund. The government proposed to release two tranches of EA as contained in the 2020 MOA.

“The effective date of implementation of the above was proposed to be June 2026, after all the monetary implications have been captured in the 2026 budget. Congress also noted that despite the results of the test on UTAS, UPS, and IPPIS, where UTAS emerged as the best of the three, the government was still not willing to deploy UTAS but instead was busy setting up a Technical Committee to review IPPIS.

“Government is also foot-dragging on the release of the white paper on the Visitation Panel.

“Congress resolved that members be more resolute in their support for the leadership of ASUU; the National Secretariat should be present on social media to engage the young populace more and educate them rightly.

“Members should not participate in any statutory meeting of the University, and especially A and PC, during the ongoing strike.

“NEC should be advised to roll over the ongoing strike into an indefinite strike.”

FAQs: ASUU-OAU Backs Indefinite Strike

What is the ASUU-OAU stance on the strike?

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has officially endorsed the continuation of the strike, supporting the national body’s call for an indefinite strike until government demands are addressed.

Why is ASUU-OAU backing an indefinite strike?

ASUU-OAU cited several unresolved issues, including:

• Non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement

• Unpaid earned allowances for staff

• Inadequate funding and revitalisation of universities

They argue that resuming work without resolution would be counterproductive.

How does the OAU chapter’s decision affect other universities?

OAU’s endorsement adds momentum to the national ASUU strike, encouraging other branches to maintain solidarity. It demonstrates that the strike has strong backing in major federal universities.

Are students affected by this decision?

Yes, students at OAU and other universities under strike action continue to face disruptions in lectures, examinations, and academic calendars, with no clear end date yet announced.

Is there any government response to ASUU-OAU’s position?

The government has reiterated its willingness to negotiate but insists that certain conditions must be met, such as implementing the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). No breakthrough has been reported, which partly explains ASUU-OAU’s support for prolonging the strike.