The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has explained why the union put its proposed nationwide strike on hold. It should be recalled that ASUU has issued several threats to embark on industrial action over the federal government’s unmet demands.
Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the President of the union gave the main reasons for the postponement during an interview with Nigerian Tribune over the weekend. The ASUU President was actually asked for an update on their issues with the federal government.
FG Made a Number of New Promises to ASUU
During the interview, the Union President mentioned some new promises which the Federal Government made to ASUU. He further explained that the Unions decision revolve round this new promises.
Here is what he said; “Our demands remain the same. These include the issue of revitalization funds, our unpaid earned academic allowances and other entitlements, our withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, the renegotiation of our previous agreement, and so forth.
“The last time we met with the government, we were informed that our concerns, especially the revitalization funds, earned academic allowances, and withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries would be addressed in the current national budget and that the funds would be released immediately after the budget’s passage.
“Now, the budget has been passed and signed for implementation.
“There is no longer any excuse for the government not to take action as promised. We are giving them until the end of this month (March) to fulfill their commitments before we decide our next course of action as a union.”
New Promises: ASUU gives FG the Benefit of Doubt
Prof Osodeke stated clearly that ASUU does not rely on promises but on concrete action. He said that past experiences of unfulfilled commitments from the government has prompted the union stance on concrete action rather just promises. But, according to ASUU President; the union is willing, this time, to give the government the benefit of the doubt.
“We are giving the government this opportunity, especially since it has provided some evidence of commitment in the 2025 budget and has involved the Accountant-General of the Federation in addressing our demands.
“That is why we are waiting, and we will wait until the end of this month,” he said.