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| ASUU Strike |
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has drawn a line in the sand, declaring a nationwide warning strike unavoidable if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by the October 13, 2025 deadline. The union's leadership has stated unequivocally that there will be no retreat from the planned industrial action, signaling potential disruption for public universities across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, during a leadership training event at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
Why is ASUU Going on Strike Again? The Unresolved Issues
Dr. Piwuna clarified that the impending strike is a direct result of the Federal Government's consistent failure to honor agreements and engage in good-faith negotiations. The core issues remain unresolved after years of dialogue, pushing the union to take decisive action.
The key demands triggering the warning strike are:
The Signing and Implementation of the Renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement: This long-drawn-out renegotiation is central to the dispute, covering critical areas like funding for university revitalization and academic working conditions.
Rejection of the Student Loan Scheme (NELFUND): ASUU is vehemently opposed to the scheme, advocating instead for direct grants to universities.
Inadequate Funding and Government Inertia: The union accuses the government of using delays as a tactic, having failed to respond after being given a three-week window for feedback.
“No Going Back” – ASUU’s Strike Timeline Explained
In a firm declaration, Dr. Piwuna outlined the union's resolved position. “The warning strike has been issued and we are not meeting to discuss that again... our position has been taken,” he stated.
The planned escalation is as follows:
- Two-Week Warning Strike: Begins midnight, October 13, 2025.
- Post-Strike Evaluation: The National Executive Council (NEC) will meet after the two weeks to assess the government's response.
- Potential Indefinite Strike: If demands remain unmet, ASUU will not hesitate to commence a "comprehensive and indefinite strike action."
NELFUND Controversy: ASUU Questions “N14 Billion Personnel Spend”
A significant portion of Dr. Piwuna's address targeted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He reiterated ASUU's stance that providing loans in a "depressed economy" with high unemployment is fundamentally flawed.
“If they truly want to give them money, they should come out clean... the money should be given as grants, not loans,” Piwuna argued.
He raised a serious allegation of financial impropriety, pointing out that NELFUND, an agency less than a year old with under 100 staff, reportedly spent N14 billion on personnel costs. He contrasted this with a typical university that has over 1,000 staff and cannot spend such an amount in a year, even including infrastructure projects.
A Call for Integrity and Collaboration Within the Union
The leadership training also emphasized the union's internal values. The ASUU National Financial Secretary, Dr. Happiness Uduk, urged members to uphold the principles of "integrity, transparency, and accountability."
Echoing this sentiment, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, advised members to adhere to the principles outlined in the ASUU work guide compiled by former President, Comrade Festus Iyayi. He stressed that collaboration is key to achieving excellence in education.
FAQs: ASUU Warning Strike 2024
Q1: When is the ASUU warning strike starting?
A1: The two-week nationwide warning strike is scheduled to begin at midnight on Monday, October 13, 2024.
Q2: What are ASUU's main demands in 2024?
A2:
The primary demands are the signing and implementation of the
renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement and the rejection of the NELFUND
student loan scheme in favor of direct grants to universities.
Q3: What happens after the two-week warning strike?
A3:
ASUU will meet to decide on the next steps. If the government fails to
meet their demands, the union will begin an indefinite and comprehensive
strike.
A4: ASUU argues that in a depressed economy with high unemployment, students will struggle to repay loans. They also questioned NELFUND's financial management, citing a N14 billion personnel spend for a small agency