ASUU Explains Why They are yet to Embark Nationwide Strike Amid Ongoing Union Actions

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has clarified the reasons behind its decision not to declare a nationwide strike, despite recent threats to do so. In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the union is not opposed to the current nationwide strike initiated by the Senior Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), affirming their constitutional right to strike if deemed necessary.

Prof. Osodeke expressed disappointment over the government's lack of action to address ASUU's concerns. He noted that, aside from a meeting with the newly established Renegotiation Team, no significant progress had been made. "We met with the newly constituted Renegotiation Team and adjourned the meeting until next week. So, there has been nothing tangible from the government regarding our three and a half months of withheld salaries," he remarked.

The ASUU leader explained that the union has undertaken all necessary measures to engage the government, and up to 90 percent of its members have voted in favor of a strike due to the ongoing neglect of their demands. However, he emphasized that ASUU has chosen to exercise patience and give the government a chance to respond, particularly in light of the recent formation of the Renegotiation Team.

"We feel we should give the committee a little space. If nothing concrete happens, we will surely embark on strike. We are doing this to exhaust all opportunities so that Nigerians will not blame ASUU but the government if the union eventually declares a strike for its members," Prof. Osodeke asserted.

As the situation unfolds, ASUU remains vigilant, awaiting the outcome of discussions with the Renegotiation Team, while the ongoing strikes by SSANU and NASU continue to impact university operations across the nation.