ASUU Rules Out Another Industrial Action
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has assured Nigerians that the Union will not embark on another industrial action.
The Union, who made the assurance after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, condemned an attempt by the federal government to turn the academics into casual workers through the so-called ”pro-rata” payment for 18 days.
In a press statement on Tuesday after the end of the NEC meeting, the ASUU national president, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, noted that the University teachers are intellectuals and not casual workers.
He said the Union suspended its eight-month strike on October 14, 2022, in obedience to the order of the National Industrial Court and further consideration of intervention efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Osodeke noted that the action of the Union was a display of manifest trust in the judiciary and other institutions and organs of government to always put national interest above all other considerations.
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However, the ASUU president lamented the government’s response through the so-called ”pro-rata” payment for 18-day as the October 2022 salaries of the academics.
He said, “This we believe, as a union of thinkers, intellectuals, and patriots, will not only aid the amicable resolution of the crisis but will also set the tone for smooth industrial relations between Government and Nigerian workers at large.
“This is not only an aberration but a contravention of all known rules of engagement in any employment contract for academics worldwide.
“At an emergency meeting of the ASUU’s National Executive Committee (NEC), held on Monday, November 7, 2022, the Union deliberated on developments since the suspension of the strike.
“NEC commends the membership of ASUU for their perseverance in the face of untold hardship and unwarranted provocation by some notorious agents of the ruling class.”
The ASUU NEC, therefore, appealed for the understanding of Nigerian students, parents and other genuinely concerned individuals and groups.
