By Ayo Kehinde
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has reaffirmed its resolve to begin a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands before the October 13 deadline.
ASUU President, Comrade Chris Piwuna, during an orientation and leadership training for members of the union’s Niger Delta University branch, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, said the planned strike followed a two-week ultimatum issued last week, urging the government to address outstanding issues, including the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement.
Piwuna stated: “The warning strike has been issued, and we are not meeting to review that decision again.
“By midnight of Monday, we will embark on a two-week warning strike. After its expiration, we will reconvene to decide when to begin an indefinite and comprehensive strike.”
He lamented that the union had shown patience over the years, but the government had failed to act on its promises.
“The issues remain the same. We have been negotiating for years, not rushing into strikes.
“The government asked for three weeks to get back to us but never did. Nigerians should understand that our actions are always responses to government inaction,” he added.
On the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Piwuna criticised the scheme, saying it was unrealistic in the current economic situation.
“We have told the government we don’t support student loans in a depressed economy. Where will unemployed graduates find money to repay loans? If the aim is to improve universities, the funds should be given as grants, not loans,” he said.
He also faulted reports that NELFUND had spent about ₦14bn on personnel, saying such spending raised questions about accountability in a new agency with fewer than 100 staff.
Speaking on the topic “Understanding the Principles of the Union,” ASUU National Financial Secretary, Comrade Happiness Uduk, urged members to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, who delivered a lecture on “Understanding the Dynamics of ASUU and University Administration,” encouraged members to adhere to ASUU’s guiding principles and collaborate to promote excellence in the education sector.
Also, Niger Delta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, commended ASUU for organising the training and urged that such workshops be held regularly.
Earlier, the branch chairperson, Comrade Oyinkepreye Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the ASUU President for attending despite his busy schedule and praised members for their active participation.
