By: Manoah Kikekon
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| OAU |
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has officially joined a two-week nationwide warning strike.
This action follows a directive from the union's national body, compelling all public university chapters to protest the federal government's continued failure to honour its agreements.
Anthony Odiwe, the Chairman of ASUU's OAU chapter, confirmed the industrial action in Ile-Ife. He revealed that a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28th has lapsed without a substantial response.
The union expressed deep disappointment, noting that the current administration had promised an era free of academic disruptions but has instead overseen a continued neglect of the university system.
The strike stems from a long list of unresolved issues between the union and the federal government. Key demands include the immediate renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement and the release of three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries.
The union is also protesting the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears spanning four to seven years and the victimization of its members.
Chairman Odiwe condemned the poor welfare of university academics and the government's refusal to act on a submitted report regarding their conditions of service. He appealed for a speedy resolution, urging the government to revitalize universities by providing adequate funding, infrastructure, and a conducive working environment for both staff and students.
The union also warned the government against using a "no work, no pay" policy as a threat, stating that current salaries are already inadequate compensation for their labour.
(NAN)