*Dismisses FG’s Directive
*Strike Disrupts Academic Activities In Universities
THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s directive to vice chancellors of federal and state universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against striking members, insisting the union would not bow to intimidation or threats.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, disclosed the union’s stance during a television programme on Monday, October 13, said the union remained united and resolute in its struggle.
He stressed that despite government’s attempts to divide the academic community through selective payment and threats: “We don’t respond to threats, and nobody can threaten us.”
Piwuna accused the government of deliberately reaching out to other academic associations, such as the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), in a bid to create division among university staff.
“He (ostentibly referring to the Minister of Education, Tunii Alausa) is threatening us, writing to NAMDA and CONUA, telling them they can get their salaries.
“He wants to divide us, but we are united in this matter.”
The ASUU president stated that the union enjoys the solidarity of other major university and tertiary institution unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and academic staff in polytechnics and colleges of education, adding: “CONUA is with us, NAMDA is with us, SSANU is with us, NASU is with us.
“The polytechnics and colleges of education are also with us.”
He advised the minister to prioritise resolving the dispute rather than issuing ultimatums, adding: “He had better sit down and solve this problem or he will fail in trying to divide us.”
Piwuna, however, hinted that the union remained open to dialogue, saying the Minister of State for Labour had reached out earlier in the day to initiate talks.
“Today, I received a call from the Minister of State for Labour. She said she has been directed to intervene and get this matter resolved.
“ASUU is willing; we are ready and available to discuss this matter once and for all.”
ASUU began its warning strike on Monday to press home its demands, including implementation of previous agreements with the government, improved welfare and revitalisation funding for public universities.
Already, the strike has disrupted academic activities in universities, such as the Federal University, Dutse; Jigawa State; University of Jos; and University of Benin, Bayero University Kano and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, with ongoing examinations at several universities disrupted.
