Following the lapse of the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), there are indications that the union may initiate a nationwide strike to press for improved funding of the education sector and better welfare for its members.
At the University of Jos, members of ASUU staged a protest on Tuesday, disrupting ongoing Second Semester examinations. The protesters, joined by university students, voiced their grievances and called on the Federal Government to address their demands promptly to avoid an impending industrial action.
Marching through the university community, protesters displayed placards with various inscriptions, highlighting issues such as the need for enhanced funding, payment of promotion arrears, and resolution of the IPPIS controversy. The demonstrators later gathered at the Senate building, where they presented a 9-point demand to the university management for onward transmission to the government.
Addressing the gathering, ASUU’s Vice Chairman at the university emphasized the union’s dissatisfaction with the government’s response to their longstanding demands. The Vice Chancellor, expressing solidarity with the protesters, pledged to include an additional demand regarding electricity provision in the university in the letter to the government.
In response to ASUU’s ultimatum, the Federal Government announced the constitution of a new governing council for federal universities and other institutions. However, ASUU remains adamant, stating that their demands have not been adequately addressed.
With the ultimatum set to expire soon, the fate of the education sector hangs in the balance as ASUU contemplates its next course of action.
