The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) president, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed mounting frustration over the government’s lack of action on their demands in a statement issued to the PUNCH Newspaper, on Monday. This comes as the union prepares to meet in February 2024 to discuss further steps.
According to Professor Osodeke, “not even one thing has been done by the Federal Government.” He emphasized the absence of any official communication from the authorities regarding their demands, which include the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), withheld salaries, wage awards, and a 25% and 35% salary increment backdated to January 2023.
This statement highlights the ongoing stalemate between ASUU and the government, which has resulted in a prolonged strike that has crippled public universities across the country. The lack of progress and communication is adding to the already tense situation, raising concerns about the future of academic activities in Nigeria.
The upcoming ASUU-NEC meeting in February is likely to be crucial in determining the union’s next course of action. Whether they choose to continue the strike, escalate their demands, or seek alternative solutions remains to be seen.
Students, parents, and the academic community at large are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the ASUU-NEC meeting, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow universities to reopen and academic activities to resume. However, the government’s silence and inaction continue to cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of higher education in Nigeria.
