The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has cautioned that industrial unrest may be imminent if the Federal Government fails to address its long-standing commitments to the union.
Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Namo Timothy, issued the warning in a statement on Friday, lamenting that despite repeated engagements, the government has yet to implement agreements reached with the union. He recalled that ASUU’s nationwide strike, which lasted from February to October 2022, was suspended following appeals from well-meaning Nigerians with the expectation that pending issues would be resolved.
Timothy noted, however, that many of the concerns have remained unresolved for over 15 years. He listed them to include the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement, sustainable funding and revitalisation of universities, alleged victimisation of members in Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, payment of wage awards and promotion arrears, as well as remittance of withheld third-party deductions.
He urged the government to urgently release revitalisation funds, pay withheld salaries and arrears, and end the alleged persecution of union members. While commending ASUU members for their patience since the last strike was called off, Timothy warned that the union might no longer be able to guarantee industrial harmony, urging Nigerians to prevail on the government to avert another disruption of academic activities.
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Do you want me to make the tone sharper (like a strong warning) or more neutral (just informative)?
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