According to the Academic Staff Union of colleges, or ASUU, its members will take a leave of absence in order to emphasize their demands on a wide range of matters impacting federal colleges around the nation. The union announced that it will go on another nationwide walkout in protest of the managerial, administrative, and other problems that the colleges are facing.
It particularly bemoaned the absence of governing councils in all federal universities across the country among other issues the government is yet to address.
The body which recalled that the federal government dissolved governing councils of the universities in May, last year, has asked Nigerians to hold the government responsible for any decision it takes to protest the action of government.
President of ASUU,Prof. Emmanuel issued the at a press conference which is ongoing at ASUU national secretariat,Abuja.
While ASUU’s decision to embark on a strike may be seen as a last resort, it underscores the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and concrete action to address the systemic issues facing higher education in Nigeria. Both the government and ASUU must demonstrate a genuine commitment to finding lasting solutions that prioritize the interests of students, staff, and the overall development of the nation.
As stakeholders await the outcome of negotiations between ASUU and the federal government, there is a palpable sense of apprehension and uncertainty hanging over the academic community. The specter of yet another protracted strike looms large, casting a shadow over the future of higher education in Nigeria.
The possibility of an ASUU national strike serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive issues facing Nigeria’s higher education system. All parties involved must be cooperative and eager to listen to the justifiable complaints of academic personnel when they approach the table. Failing to do so jeopardizes the nation’s hopes for socioeconomic progress and runs the risk of further eroding trust in the educational system.
