Why state universities should back out of ASUU strike, by students
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on governors to pull out state universities from the over six-month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
NANS argued that it was out of place for teachers in state universities to be part of the strike since they are not direct beneficiaries of the conclusions that might be reached by ASUU and the Federal Government.
The association which clocked 40 yesterday, described as “insensitive; selfish, inconsiderate, and uncharitable” ASUU ‘s insistence on the payment of its members’ six-month salary arrears before it could call off the strike.
ASUU is among others, demanding provision of funds for the revitalisation of public universities; payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)/Earned Allowances (EA); payment of salary shortfalls; an end to the proliferation of state universities, renegotiation of a 2009 agreement; adoption of University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a payment platform for university teachers and payment of non-remitted check-off dues.
The union had on Tuesday hinted that it might declare an indefinite strike on Sunday if the government failed to meet the demands, especially the salary arrears payment. The union’s chapter in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University(NAU) in Awka, Anambra, has already moved ahead by announcing an indefinite action.
But one of the university-based unions—the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT)—which also declared a strike has formerly directed its members to resume work.
But NAAT flayed the no-work, no pay rule announced by the Federal Government as a sanction for members that embarked on strike.
At an event to mark its 40th anniversary in Abuja, NANS pleaded with Nigerians to rise and rescue the education sector.
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It also called for a total overhaul of the sector during the event that had “Public Education System On The Brink of collapse: Rescue It Now Or Prepare For The Alternative,” as its theme.
NANS described strikes in the tertiary education level as a challenge above its capacity as a body.
“We call on all governors at all levels to ensure that all our state universities are open now because they will not be a beneficiary of ASUU demands from the Federal Government,” said the association’s National President Sunday Asefon.
Asefon added: “We condemn in totality, the insistence of ASUU on the payment of six-month arrears of salary for the entire period of the strike before they can call off the strike.
“This demand is not only insensitive; it is also selfish, inconsiderate, and uncharitable. The six months are periods of no work. As much as we encourage the government to pay the arrears irrespective, it is unfair to base the resumption of academic activities on full payment of the arrears.
“We have also, unfortunately, noticed that since the beginning of the strike, ASUU has refused to put the students who are the major losers into consideration whatsoever.
“They (ASUU) have hidden from us the major areas of contention. Every other stakeholder, except ASUU, has met with us directly to discuss the issues.
“We have witnessed the total collapse of the sector as a result of the incessant strikes. These challenges are bigger than what any NANS administration can resolve. However, our nation’s education system is on the brink and the entire nation must rise to its rescue.”
