The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened a nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to appoint Governing Councils for Federal Universities. The union also expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s attitude towards academic matters in Nigerian Federal Universities.
Addressing a press briefing at the University of Abuja, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the union has given the government enough time to address its concerns but has seen no action. He noted that the dissolution of governing councils was illegal and against the principles guiding the existing universities.
ASUU also criticized the 35% salary increment for professors and 25% increment for other academics, describing it as a wage award that could be withdrawn by the government at any time.
The union’s threat of a nationwide strike comes after the National Universities Commission (NUC) announced the dissolution of governing councils of all federal universities and boards of other agencies and parastatals in June 2023, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
The potential strike could disrupt academic activities in federal universities across the country, affecting thousands of students and academic staff.