A joint statement from The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Joint Action Committee of the Non-academic Staff Union of education (NASU), and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have refuted claims that the academic bodies are likely to call off the strike.

The three aforementioned bodies embark on an industrial strike to express their grievances over the lack of a sound welfare system. SSANU, ASUU, and NASU all opposed the lackluster attitude of the federal government towards executing numerous agreements with the associations within the last twelve years.

A statement by a member of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke revealed that the FG has held numerous meetings with ASUU. Yet, the meeting hasn’t provided a solution to the uneven ground between the parties. SSANU, ASUU, and NASU embarked on a strike action to ensure that the FG revitalize the educational sector.

Recently, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige claimed that the FG team had reached a consensus with ASUU. The latest development by the academic body comes as a direct disclaimer to the claims by the Minister. In his words, Sen Ngige revealed that there’s a unified relationship between the academic bodies and the FG. He claimed that in their last meeting both ASUU and FG address pressing issues and agree to call off the strike.

Resistance of ASUU towards FG appeal

However, Prof Osodeke insisted that the minister’s announcement is a reflection of political sentiment. He furthered that the association isn’t cognizant of the possibility of calling off the strike. He emphasized that there is no existing consensus with the Federal Government in regards to the strike. Prof Osodeke also made it known that the academic bodies are tired of receiving empty promises from the federal government.

Additionally, Prof Osodeke went on to recall how the federal government made some promises to the Union around late 2020. He disclosed that ever since the federal government is yet to fulfill those promises. He concluded that ASUU won’t relent to agitate for the acceptance of UTAS and the improvement of public Universities.

Lastly, Students across the federation have bemoaned the attitude of the federal government towards the issue. Student bodies such as the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) have carried out numerous protests across Nigeria. NANS accused the F.G of showing little concern about the situation. Nevertheless, the presence of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the negotiation table with ASUU has sparked hope of resolving the issue on both sides.