Strikes Won’t Stop Until Fed Govt is Responsible – ASUU

Why ASUU Says Strikes Are Inevitable

ASUU argues that strikes have become frequent because the Federal Government has consistently failed to honor signed agreements dating back several years. These agreements cover critical areas such as:

University funding
Payment of earned academic allowances
University autonomy
Conditions of service for lecturers
Revitalisation of public universities

According to the union, when agreements are signed and ignored, industrial action becomes the only effective tool to draw attention to the crisis.

Broken Agreements at the Core of the Problem

ASUU insists that most strikes would have been avoided if the Federal Government acted responsibly after negotiations. The union points out that:

Agreements reached after long negotiations are often partially implemented or abandoned
Committees are set up by the government, but their reports are not executed
Promises made to suspend strikes are rarely fulfilled

ASUU maintains that responsible governance means honoring commitments, not using dialogue as a delay tactic.

Impact of Government Neglect on Universities

The union warns that poor funding and lack of accountability have left Nigerian universities in a critical condition, marked by:

Dilapidated lecture halls and hostels
Outdated laboratories and libraries
Overworked and underpaid lecturers
Brain drain, as academics leave for better opportunities abroad

ASUU believes that without urgent intervention, the quality of higher education in Nigeria will continue to decline.

ASUU’s Position on Strikes

ASUU has repeatedly emphasized that no academic union enjoys going on strike, as it disrupts teaching, research, and students’ academic calendars. However, the union insists that:

Strikes are a last resort
Peaceful dialogue without implementation is meaningless
Government accountability is the only lasting solution

According to ASUU, once agreements are fully implemented and funding improves, strikes will naturally stop.

What ASUU Wants from the Federal Government

ASUU is calling on the Federal Government to:

Fully implement all outstanding agreements
Prioritize education in the national budget
Respect university autonomy
Improve lecturers’ welfare
Adopt sustainable funding models for public universities

The union stresses that education should be treated as a national investment, not an expense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does ASUU frequently go on strike?

ASUU goes on strike mainly due to government’s failure to honor agreements, poor funding, and neglect of public universities.

Can ASUU stop strikes permanently?

Yes, ASUU says strikes will stop if the Federal Government acts responsibly and implements all agreed terms.

Are students the intended targets of ASUU strikes?

No. ASUU states that strikes are meant to pressure the government, not punish students, though students are often affected.

What has the government done to stop ASUU strikes?

The government often sets up negotiation committees and makes promises, but ASUU claims implementation is usually weak or incomplete.

How can the strike cycle be broken?

The cycle can be broken through honest dialogue, full implementation of agreements, and proper funding of education.

Conclusion

ASUU’s message is clear: strikes will not end until the Federal Government becomes accountable and responsible in managing Nigeria’s public universities. Without sincerity, implementation of agreements, and adequate funding, industrial actions will remain a recurring feature of the Nigerian education system.

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