The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may soon initiate an industrial action, NewdayReporters has learnt.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodoke, disclosed the potential strike on Thursday.
He indicated that the union is currently mobilizing its members in preparation for the industrial action.
Professor Osodoke expressed concern that the government has not signed an agreement with the union nor fulfilled its obligations under existing agreements. The union’s National Executive Council is expected to meet soon to decide on the specifics of the potential strike, including its timing.
“We are mobilizing our members currently as we may possibly embark on strike action but we will meet soon to determine that,” Osodeke said.
He emphasized that the government has failed to address the union’s concerns, honor agreements, or engage with the union since rumors of the strike surfaced.
The ongoing conflict between ASUU and the government centers on an agreement made in 2009, which has been subject to numerous negotiations without resolution. In October 2022, ASUU undertook a strike that lasted eight months.
In a statement by President Osodeke, ASUU explained that the decision to end the strike was influenced by appeals from Nigerians, then-President Muhammadu Buhari, and then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The statement noted that while the union appreciated the efforts of the House leadership and other concerned Nigerians, the issues in dispute remained unresolved.
“However, as a law-abiding union and in deference to appeals by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, and in recognition of the efforts of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and other well-meaning Nigerians, ASUU NEC resolved to suspend the strike action embarked upon on 14th February 2022,” the statement concluded.
