“Two Weeks is Too Long to Resolve Our Issue,” – ASUU President replies Buhari

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has described the two-week ultimatum given by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Minister of Education to resolve the ongoing university strike as too long.

The President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, made this known on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to him, the major issues between ASUU and the Federal Government have already been concluded during negotiations and what remains is for the government to formally approve and sign the agreements reached.

Background to Buhari’s Directive

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, to immediately take steps to resolve the prolonged industrial action embarked upon by ASUU and other university-based unions.

The directive gave the Minister a period of two weeks to settle the dispute and restore normal academic activities in federal universities across the country.

However, ASUU has insisted that the time frame is unnecessary because, according to the union, discussions have already been concluded.

ASUU: “Two Weeks Is Too Long”

Reacting to the President’s directive, Professor Osodeke stated clearly that:

“Two weeks is too long. The issue of negotiation has been completed by both sides.
They should just come back to us and say we have agreed to sign.”

The ASUU president maintained that there is no need for further prolonged meetings, stressing that what the union expects from the government is a commitment to honour what has already been agreed.

ASUU Warns of the Future of Nigerian Universities

Professor Osodeke also warned that without the sustained struggle of ASUU, Nigerian universities could deteriorate seriously within a short period.

According to him, if the union had not insisted on reforms and better funding, public universities would soon lose their standard.

He said:

“If we are not sincere, if we are not fully committed, we would have abandoned this struggle.
Do you know what will happen? In the next two to three years Nigerian universities will be like public primary and secondary schools.”

Five-Month Salary Arrears Still Owed – ASUU

The ASUU president further revealed that members of the union were still being owed five months’ salaries during the period of the strike.

He explained that despite the financial hardship faced by lecturers, the union has continued with the industrial action because of its commitment to protecting the future of public university education.

In his words:

“If we are not sincere, the Federal Government will not be owing our five-month salaries and we are still on strike looking for how to raise money for our children; we would have gone back.”

ASUU Appeals Directly to President Buhari

Professor Osodeke made a direct appeal to President Buhari, urging him to use the opportunity to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the education sector.

He emphasized that many Nigerian families cannot afford private universities and rely solely on public institutions.

According to him:

“I want to plead to the president on behalf of Nigerian children who cannot afford it that the legacy he should leave behind is to transform this system.”

Summary

ASUU maintains that:

• Negotiations with the Federal Government have already been concluded.

• Only official approval and signing of the agreements remain.

• The two-week ultimatum given to the Minister of Education is unnecessary.

• Without urgent reforms, Nigerian universities may rapidly decline in quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did ASUU say the two-week ultimatum is too long?

ASUU said the ultimatum is too long because negotiations between the union and the Federal Government have already been completed. According to ASUU, what remains is for the government to formally approve and sign the agreement.

Who made the statement on behalf of ASUU?

The statement was made by the President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

What directive did President Buhari give concerning the strike?

President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, to resolve the prolonged strike by ASUU and other university-based unions within two weeks.

What warning did ASUU give about Nigerian universities?

ASUU warned that if reforms are not carried out and the education system is not improved, Nigerian universities could become similar to poorly funded public primary and secondary schools within the next two to three years.

What appeal did ASUU make to President Buhari?

ASUU appealed to President Buhari to transform the Nigerian university system and make quality public education his legacy, especially for children whose families cannot afford private universities.