By ikenna orioha
After four years the federal government duly signed an agreement of approval and the implementation of demands of rights of service of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and failed to implement it, the union who is currently on strike, has boldly poured its venom on the federal government of non-negotiable on its strike action to enforce the prompt implementation of its demand. The ASUU struggle has entered 4th week, and if the ASUU demand is well implemented the consensus will transform the university system in Nigeria.
However, the highlights of the agreement are: funding requirements for revitalization of the Nigeria universities, federal government assistance to state universities, progressive increase of annual budgetary allocation to education to 26 percent between 2009-2020, earned academic allowance, amendment of the pension/retirement age of academic on the professional cadre from 65-70 years, and others.
ASUU maintained that out of these demands, the federal government singled out and implement two which are amendment of retirement age of academics on the professional cadre of 65-70 years and the recognition of the governing councils of federal universities in Nigeria.
At a press conference on ASUU Strike held by ASUU FUTO Chapter on 23 July, 2013, at the Union secretariat, the Uoin president, Dr Ikenna Nwachukwu, told federal government to “Implement faithfully the October, 2009 FGN ASUU agreement which is aimed at repositioning and transforming the Nigeria university system”. Saying, time for negotiation is over as the federal government has for years trampled on ASUU rights. He explains that autonomy of universities is part of the struggle.
Dr Nwachukwu charged federal government to boldly, timely and effectively implement the agreement it duly and legally signed in 2009 to enhance standard of educational system to produce best brains among academics. “Our system is going down our universities should be revitalized- ASUU will sensitize National Assembly to restore the lost academic glory in Nigeria”, Nwachukwu said.
ASUU also cautioned that Jamb has no right to dictate cut-off marks for universities, and expressed shock on why some universities went ahead and conducted text exams while ASUU is on strike action.
ASUU FUTO lambasted the government on double standard and insincerity. It therefore calls on all well meaning Nigerians and civil organizations to urge the federal government to honour an agreement it freely signed with ASUU. The pressure Union reminds government that it stands in the truth while agitating for the goodness of its just course.
