ASUU, Nigerian universities union begins indefinite strike

The University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has begun an indefinite strike to draw government attention to issues in the institution.

The union announced its decision on Thursday after a meeting held at the end of its congress, held at the permanent site of the school.

The Chairman of the branch, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, told newsmen in an interview that the union had resolved to embark on a total and indefinite strike with immediate effect.

The union in March rejected the advertisement for the position of vice-chancellor for the school.

The chairperson of ASUU in the university, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, said at the time that the union would resist it “within the ambit of the law”.

It also warned “intending applicants to steer clear until due process is adhered to”.

This followed an advert placed in a national daily by the management of the university.

Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah is the current vice-chancellor of the school.

Ugoh stated that only the Governing Council of the school has the right to appoint a substantive vice-chancellor.

He said the advertorial contravened relevant laws and accused the Nigerian government of contributing negatively to the smooth-running of the school and others, through its actions and inactions.

About ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities is a Nigerian labor union representing university academic staff.

Here are some key points about ASUU:

• Formation and Origins

ASUU was founded in 1978 as an offshoot of the Nigerian Association of University Teachers (NAUT), which itself was established in 1965.

Initially, NAUT consisted of only five universities, including the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria.

• Mission and Focus

ASUU emerged from the interactions of government workers with the goal of improving Nigeria’s educational system.

The union advocates for the rights and welfare of academic staff in universities across the country.

ASUU plays a crucial role in shaping educational policies, working conditions, and academic standards within Nigerian universities.

• Principles and Objectives

ASUU operates based on key principles, including integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, and hard work.

Its objectives include:

• • Organizing academic staff employed by universities who qualify for membership.
  • Regulating relations between academic staff and employers (universities) and among members.
  • Establishing and maintaining just and proper conditions of service for its members.

• Challenges and Achievements

Over the years, ASUU has faced challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and policy implementation in Nigerian universities.

The union has engaged in strikes and negotiations to address issues such as inadequate funding, poor facilities, and non-payment of salaries.

ASUU’s advocacy has led to improvements in the education sector, but persistent challenges remain.

In summary, ASUU continues to play a vital role in advocating for the rights and well-being of university academic staff in Nigeria. Its efforts contribute to shaping the future of higher education in the country.

The union’s leadership

The current national president of ASUU is Professor Victor Emmanuel Osodeke.

Professor Osodeke was re-elected for another two years in May 2022.

As for the chairman of ASUU, however, it’s worth noting that ASUU operates under the leadership of its national president.

The union’s activities are guided by a panel of members.

For instance, a recent seven-man panel included Prof. Emeritus Nimi Briggs, who serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University (AEFU), Ndufu-Alike Ikwo.

This panel plays a crucial role in decision-making and policy formulation within ASUU.

ASUU has played a significant role in advocating for the rights and welfare of academic staff in Nigerian universities.

Over the years, the union has engaged in strikes and negotiations to address issues such as fair wages, university autonomy, and dismissal of staff by various regimes.

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