The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning of a potential nationwide strike in response to the absence of governing councils in all federal universities across Nigeria, alongside other unresolved issues with the government.
At a press conference held at the University of Abuja, ASUU President Prof Emmanuel Osodeke expressed deep concern over the government’s lack of urgency in addressing critical academic matters within the Nigerian Federal University system under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Particularly contentious are the recent salary increments of 35 percent for professors and 25 percent for other academic staff, which ASUU finds inadequate and unsatisfactory.
Prof Osodeke emphasized that ASUU has patiently awaited action from the Tinubu-led administration but is now compelled to consider drastic measures due to the government’s apparent disregard for crucial matters affecting university academics.
Of significant concern is the failure of the Federal Government to appoint members to the governing councils of Federal universities, a move that ASUU contends is essential for the effective governance and operation of these institutions.
The dissolution of these governing councils, declared by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on June 22, 2023, following a directive from President Tinubu, has been deemed illegal by ASUU, as it contradicts established university principles.
ASUU’s threat of strike action underscores the urgency with which they seek resolution to these issues, warning that further delays in addressing their grievances could lead to widespread disruption in the nation’s higher education sector.