Trouble looms as 11 State Universities shun ASUU, not participating in strike as FG threatens unions

No fewer than 11 state universities are not participating in the strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

Our correspondents reported on Monday that academic activities were going on in universities owned by Osun, Rivers, Delta, Borno, Anambra, Kwara and Akwa Ibom states as well as the three universities owned by Lagos State.

Also ahead of the National Universities Commission meeting with vice-chancellors and pro-chancellors of federal universities today (Tuesday), the Federal Government on Monday vowed to end the culture of strikes in tertiary institutions in the country.

But as the strike by ASUU entered its 204th day, lecturers in some state universities are not on strike.

Lecturers in two universities owned by Rivers State, Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, did not join the strike.

At the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, academic activities were going on as many of the students were writing examinations on Monday.

A final year student of Political Science, Master Ovum Amadi in an interview with The PUNCH said he was preparing for his examinations next week. He said, “Examinations have started. Those in 200-level have started.”

When contacted, a member of ASUU in the university, Dr Mandah Stanley, said the union in the institution was in court over some leadership issues.

The spokesman for the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the institution had no reason to join the strike for two main reasons.

She said the university is a teacher training institution. He added, “Governor Nyesom Wike pays our salaries promptly every month. He has not failed to pay for one day.”

Our correspondent also observed that academic activities were in progress at Osun State University.

The Acting Chairperson of ASUU in the university, Dr Weinde Olaosebikan, said lecturers in the institution did not join the ongoing strike because the branch was suspended by the national leadership of ASUU.

Also, the Delta State University, Abraka, was in session despite the position of the ASUU branch in the university.

A student, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the second semester exam was going on in the university.