By Wole-Bodunde Oyinkansayo.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strike notice after a meeting with the Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, failed to yield good results. This left the union with no choice but to take drastic measures.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed deep frustration and disappointment that the government has not implemented the agreements that were reached in 2009. This includes the payment of academic allowances owed to members since 2013 and revitalization funds to upgrade universities to international standards.
Osodeke emphasized that the government’s failure to address these issues has led to a significant decline in educational standards and this makes it challenging for Nigerian universities to compete globally.
He also criticized the government’s approval of new universities without adequate funding which has further increased the crisis in the education sector.
Osodeke warned that the union will reassess the situation in two weeks to determine the next course of action if the government fails to address their demands. This includes prioritizing funding for existing institutions and implementing the 2009 agreements. The union’s demands also includes the release of funds for payment of outstanding academic allowances and a commitment to meaningful reforms in the education sector.
