Implement 2009 Agreement or We Embark on Strike, ASUU Warns FG
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the Federal Government, that it will embark on a nationwide strike if the government fails to honour the 2009 agreement between the two parties.
At a news conference held in Abuja on Friday, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, revealed that despite numerous promises and negotiations, the Federal Government has yet to address nine critical issues that have been pending since 2017.
The unresolved issues, according to Piwuna, include the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which has been a major point of contention between the union and the government.
“We have been patient and have given the government enough time to address these issues, but it appears that they are not taking us seriously.
“We are left with no choice but to consider a nationwide strike to press home our demands,” Piwuna said.
The ASUU President expressed disappointment and frustration with the government’s handling of the matter, stating that the union has been engaged in negotiations with the government since 2017, but to no avail.
“We have been negotiating with the government since 2017, but the renegotiation process has been stalled. We have written letters, held meetings, and engaged in discussions, but the government has failed to take concrete steps to address our concerns,” Piwuna regretted.
The ASUU President warned that if the government fails to address these issues, the union will be forced to embark on a nationwide strike, which will affect all public universities in the country.
“We are giving the government an ultimatum to address these issues within a reasonable timeframe.
“If they fail to do so, we will have no choice but to go on strike. We are not taking this decision lightly, but we are left with no other option,” he said.
The threat of a nationwide strike by ASUU has sent shockwaves across the country, with students, parents, and other stakeholders expressing concern about the potential impact on the education sector.
The Federal Government has yet to respond to ASUU’s threat, but it is expected to issue a statement soon to address the union’s concerns.
In the meantime, ASUU has called on all its members to be prepared for a possible strike, and has urged students and parents to support the union’s demands.
“We are not fighting for ourselves, but for the future of our universities and the education sector as a whole. We urge all stakeholders to support us in this struggle to ensure that our universities are properly funded and that our members are treated with dignity and respect,” he said.
