UNIOSUN: Quality Education Possible If Politicians Shun Greed – ASUU
….Threatens Strike Over Unresolved Issues
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Osun State University branch, has threatened to embark on a strike action if the outstanding issues between the union and the Nigerian government are not resolved promptly.
At a press briefing jointly addressed by its Chairperson, Comrade Olaosenikan Wende and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Damilare Adekomi at the main campus of the University in Osogbo, Thursday, the body of intellectuals accused the government of failing to sign the re-negotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, pay withheld salaries and emoluments, and stop neglecting the funding of public universities.
ASUU also expressed dismay over the proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments without adequately funding the existing ones, leading to a decline in the quality of education. The Union further condemned the illegal dissolution of university governing councils and the non-payment of promotion arrears of its members.
The Union’s leadership emphasised that the government’s lack of commitment to resolving these issues has pushed the university system to the brink of collapse.
ASUU quoted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as saying “there will be no more strike in our universities” and urged him to intervene directly to address their the contentious issues between both parties, warning that a strike action would be inevitable if the government remains recalcitrant.
Speaking further, the duo emphasized the
preparedness and commitment of the Union to decolonising and emancipating Nigerian public universities from neoliberal fundamentalism, reiterating its resolve to continue the patriotic struggle for a better-funded and revitalized university system, urging well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government to take prompt action.
The statement reads in part, “The Union enjoins the President to immediately interface directly with the leadership of our Union to resolve these issues in order to save the Nigerian University system from its present ruinous and despondent condition.”
“Similarly, ASUU calls on all well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of education to prevail on the Tinubu-led Government and State Governments to immediately activate steps towards arresting this imminent shutdown of the university system in the country.”
“As a Union of intellectuals, ASUU shall continue with its patriotic struggles to decolonise Nigerian public universities and emancipate them from neoliberal fundamentalism and commercialisation.”
“Indeed, our governments have the capacity to fund education at all levels if the political elites shun greed, corruption, plug the wastages and leakages and eschew fiscal discipline.”
“In conclusion, Government and the Nigerian people are hereby sensitised on the issues. Should Government remain recalcitrant and non-responsive, ASUU should not be held responsible to explain why our public universities have again returned to the tranches.”
The congress was attended by members of the Union across the six campuses of the university including members of the expanded executive council and the immediate past chairperson of the branch, Prof Oluseye Abiona. It was rounded off with a rally which was led by the ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Ibadan Zone, Professor Oyemabiji Oyegoke. The unionists displayed placards with various inscriptions to press home their demands.
