Varsity Strike: Labour, ASUU adamant

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that the ongoing strike by university unions in Nigeria could last much longer if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands.

The ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, made this known on the second day of the nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.

According to him, the union is prepared to remain on strike for as long as necessary.

In his words:

“With the resilience of our members, if they like, they should keep this strike for two years.
We must change the Nigerian university system no matter what happens.”

ASUU Insists Government Must Meet Its Demands

Speaking during the protest, Prof. Osodeke stated clearly that the only way the strike can be resolved is for the Federal Government to meet ASUU’s demands.

He said the union would not be pressured into calling off the strike without concrete commitments and implementation by the government.

Protest Holds in Abuja

The protest took place in Abuja, with demonstrators converging at the Unity Fountain as early as 8:30am.

The protesters were led by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba.

Prominent Nigerians Join the Protest

Also present at the protest were:

• Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the
  African Action Congress (AAC)

• Shehu Sani, former senator

• Country Representative of ActionAid Nigeria,
  Ene Obi

The protesters later marched to the National Assembly.

The protest caused heavy traffic along the roads linking the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone, while security was tightened across the area.

NLC Slams FG Over Education and Workers’ Welfare

Ayuba Wabba criticised the Federal Government for what he described as paying lip service to education and the welfare of workers in tertiary institutions.

He warned that any further delay in resolving the crisis could trigger a wider workers’ strike.

According to him, it is unacceptable that children from poor and working-class families remain at home for months, while children of the wealthy continue their education in private universities and abroad.

In his words:

“No reason is good enough for the children of the working class and the poor to be at home for one day.
The children of the elites are graduating from private universities and abroad and they post them on social media for us to see.

We must be angry because this is not what we bargained for.
Democracy is about the people, and you cannot talk about people without quality education.”

TUC Also Calls on FG to Act

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also urged the Federal Government to urgently resolve all outstanding issues with ASUU.

Wabba Faults ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy

The NLC President further criticised the “no work, no pay” policy applied to striking lecturers, stating that Nigerian professors are among the lowest paid in Africa.

He added that the estimated ₦1.6 trillion allegedly spent by public office holders on foreign education for their children could have been used to rehabilitate Nigeria’s education sector.

Related Article: ASUU Opposes Education Loan, Demands Withheld Salaries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did ASUU say about the duration of the strike?

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said the union is ready to remain on strike for up to two years if the Federal Government does not meet its demands.

Who organised the protest in Abuja?

The protest was organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alongside its affiliate unions.

What is the main demand of ASUU and labour unions?

The unions insist that the Federal Government must fully meet and implement ASUU’s outstanding demands before the strike can be suspended.

Who led the protest?

The protest was led by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, with the support of several civil society leaders and politicians.

Is there any sign that the strike will end soon?

For now, there is no confirmed agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
Based on the statements made during the protest, the unions remain firm that the strike will continue until their demands are met.