The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing strike organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
ASUU’s decision to join the strike stems from the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demand for a minimum wage increase.
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In a statement directed to ASUU branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators, the association’s President, Emmanuel Osodeke, mandated lecturers nationwide to participate in the strike as an affiliate of the congress.
The statement said:
“The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June 2024, as a result of the failure of the Government to conclude the renegotiation of the minimum wage for Nigerian workers and the reversal of the hike in electricity tariffs.”
“All our branches are hereby urged to join in the strike action as affiliate members of Congress. Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilize all members to participate in the strike action. Yours in the struggle,” the statement continued.
ASUU had previously expressed discontent over the Federal Government’s delay in appointing Governing Councils for Federal Universities and criticized what it deemed the government’s neglect of academic matters in Nigerian Federal Universities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During a press briefing at the University of Abuja, ASUU also objected to the 35 per cent salary increment for professors and the 25 per cent increment for other academics, viewing it as a precarious wage award that could be retracted at any moment.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) had dissolved the governing councils of all federal universities and boards of other agencies and parastatals in the country, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.
With ASUU’s alignment with the NLC and TUC strike, the academic body is poised to continue its protest even after the Federal Government resolves the minimum wage issue with the striking unions.
