ASUU criticizes President Bola Tinubu's administration as the worst in anti-labor policies, citing unmet demands, lack of engagement, and inadequate funding for public universities. The union issues a four-week ultimatum, threatening industrial action if the government does not address their grievances.
In a fervent critique of President Bola Tinubu's administration, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the government's labor policies as the most anti-labor in Nigeria's recent history. The University of Ilorin chapter of ASUU made this declaration during a press briefing following a peaceful protest to highlight concerns over the nation's educational system and broader socio-economic conditions.
The branch chairman expressed deep disappointment in the administration, which many had hoped would address their long-standing grievances. “When the current administration took office, we were optimistic about a swift resolution to our demands due to the involvement of individuals who had previously championed labor causes. However, these hopes have been dashed as the government has shown a stark anti-labor stance,” Akanmu stated.
He further criticized the administration for its failure to engage with ASUU officially despite numerous attempts to initiate dialogue. “Instead of committing to negotiated welfare packages and adequate funding for our institutions, the government has resorted to tactics of frustration, blackmail, and leveraging hunger to undermine our efforts,” Akanmu added. He also alleged that the government had unlawfully dissolved and reconstituted university governing councils and boards with politically motivated appointments.
ASUU has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands, threatening industrial action if there is no response. Comrade Shehu El-Rasheed, ASUU chairman at the Federal University of Kashere (FUK) in Gombe State, emphasized this during a similar protest, citing non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), withheld salaries, unpaid promotion arrears, and the rejection of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) as key issues.
In Benue State University (BSU), ASUU members marched with placards condemning the government's neglect of public universities. They called on concerned Nigerians to intervene to prevent another prolonged strike.
The Tinubu administration's labor policies have sparked significant unrest among university staff, reflecting broader discontent with its approach to governance. As ASUU's ultimatum looms, the potential for renewed industrial action threatens to further disrupt Nigeria's already fragile educational system.
