The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nzukka Zone, has expressed deep concern over the humiliation its members have endured from the government in their pursuit of better working conditions over the past three years.
In a statement released to the press in Makurdi today, Union Zonal Coordinator Raphael Amokaha lamented that members have faced threats of starvation, experiencing periods of up to eight months without adequate support.
He criticised politicians for using the union’s struggles as campaign promises, noting that once elected, they often forget their commitments, reports Nigerian Tribune.
Amokaha emphasised that despite significant efforts over the last two years to avoid industrial disputes, government representatives appear to view these efforts as a success in manipulating the union’s leadership, ultimately delaying the resolution of critical issues for their financial gain.
He stated that the union’s decision to refrain from a nationwide strike stemmed from a commitment to patriotism and selflessness. However, he expressed regret that the current administration is pushing ASUU toward industrial action despite previous promises.
He explained that the union has made considerable efforts to maintain harmony in public universities, striving for amicable resolutions. However, the previous strike in 2022 was a last resort after the government dismissed a negotiated agreement developed over five years under three different chairs.
Amokaha pointed out that little has changed for universities and their staff in the past fifteen years, asserting that their attempts to rejuvenate the educational sector have been consistently thwarted by the government.
Moreover, he highlighted that university workers are the only group in Nigeria that has not received a salary review in the last fifteen years. Despite ongoing press conferences, protests, and town hall meetings aimed at avoiding strikes, all efforts have proven futile.
Amokaha warned that the union may be compelled to resume strikes unless the government demonstrates sincerity in negotiations and commits to resolving the ongoing issues, including finalising the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, addressing outstanding salaries from previous strikes, and providing necessary funding for the revitalization of public universities.
