The University of Lagos chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-UNILAG) has issued a stern warning of a potential strike if the Nigerian government fails to address its longstanding grievances, following nationwide protests.
“We are sensitising the public to prevail on the government so that we don’t go on strike. If nothing significant comes out after all these protests, we will decide to go on strike at our next NEC meeting,” said Prof. Kayode Adebayo, Chairman of ASUU-UNILAG, during a protest on Thursday in Lagos.
The protests, ongoing for weeks, highlight ASUU’s frustration over unmet promises from the government. Dr. Dele Ashiru, a former chairman of ASUU-UNILAG, emphasized the dire financial situation faced by lecturers and accused the government of neglecting its responsibilities in the education sector.
“We have been receiving the same salary since 2009. Despite several appeals and consultations to get the government to renegotiate, the government turned deaf ears,” Dr. Ashiru lamented.
Students joined their lecturers in solidarity, echoing demands for improved funding and better conditions for university education in Nigeria. They carried placards with messages such as “Stop establishing universities you cannot fund” and “Education is life; proper funding of university education is non-negotiable.”
The grievances listed by ASUU-UNILAG include the conclusion of renegotiations on the FGN/ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries due to strike actions, and funding for the revitalisation of public universities, among others.
“We love our classrooms. We love our students. It is the Nigerian government that is striking against you, not ASUU,” Prof. Adebayo emphasized, underscoring the union’s commitment to its members and the broader academic community.
As the standoff continues to escalate, ASUU awaits a concrete response from the government, with the threat of strike action looming large in the near future.
