NLC to Embark On National Protest Over ASUU Strike on July 26th & 27th
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced it will embark on a two-day nationwide protest on July 26 and 27 in solidarity with the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university unions.
According to a circular issued by the NLC and signed by its National President, Ayuba Wabba, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the protest is aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to resolve the prolonged strike and reopen public universities. The dates were scheduled following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC.
The protest is in response to the failure of the Federal Government to implement agreements reached with ASUU and other university workers on issues including university funding, lecturers’ salaries, earned allowances and revitalisation of public universities.
Unity and Solidarity
Thousands of NLC members, along with other labour unions, are expected to take part in the protest across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Demonstrations are planned to begin at state NLC secretariats and culminate in major rallies in state capitals and Abuja.
The protest is meant to support university workers and highlight the negative impact of the strike on students, parents and the nation’s education system.
Broader Support
In some states, civil society groups and student bodies have expressed support for the protest and encouraged participation. The goal is to compel the government to return students to school and end the ongoing industrial action affecting millions of Nigerians.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the NLC planning a protest on July 26 and 27?
The NLC scheduled the protest in solidarity with the ASUU strike and to pressure the Federal Government to resolve the lingering dispute with university unions, including demands about funding, salaries, earned allowances and the revitalisation of public universities.
What is ASUU striking about?
ASUU has been on strike over outstanding agreements with the Federal Government, including funding of universities, implementation of earlier negotiated agreements, fair payment of lecturers’ salaries and allowances, and other structural issues in tertiary education.
Where will the protests take place?
The nationwide protest will take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Take-off points are planned at NLC state secretariats and the Labour House in Abuja.
Who is leading the protest?
The protest is organised and led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with leadership from its National President, Ayuba Wabba, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Is the protest only about ASUU’s issues?
While the primary focus is solidarity with ASUU and ending the strike, the protest also highlights broader concerns about the state of Nigeria’s education sector and the need for quality public universities.
