The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reached a new agreement with the Federal Government and the House of Representatives. The new agreement is subject to President Buhari’s approval. The new deal will come into effect on January 4, 2019. It is uncertain when the strike will end, but there are many concerns for students and their families.
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the union representing university lecturers, has a history of industrial action that has affected the educational system in Nigeria. Since 1981, the union has taken 22 industrial actions. The most recent strike lasted over four months. These actions disrupt the academic calendar and academic sessions in universities. They also have a detrimental effect on student psychosocial development.
The federal government, which was led by President Muhammadu Buhari, has given the union two weeks to return to work, a request that ASUU rejected. The strike has also weakened the government’s credibility in the eyes of many Nigerians. It has made the federal government look insensitive to union demands. The ASUU has also portrayed itself as insensitive and self-serving. In the process, many well-meaning Nigerians have abandoned the union. Perhaps the greatest losers, however, are the children that died during the strike.
The ASUU strike has also impacted the quality of teaching in Nigerian universities. In the last five years, the number of academic staff in Nigeria has increased by about 50%. While this may not seem to seem like much, it is important to keep in mind that the university sector is very important to the economy of the country. This means that the government cannot ignore the need to maintain the standard of education.
Call off date
ASUU has given the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to implement its demands on the salary of its members. The union is now consulting with its various branches to come up with a final position and will soon make it public. Its principal officers are meeting on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
ASUU has been on strike for four months. Since February 14, the union has stalled academic activities in Nigerian universities. The union has been demanding that the government should review the NUC Act, a law designed to curtail the proliferation of private universities and distortion of salaries. It has also demanded the release of accumulated promotion arrears and the signing of a draft document.
The strike is affecting the Jamb. Students admitted to universities last year will not be able to take the exam. The strike will continue until the issues are resolved.
Impact on families
The ASUU strike has had a huge impact on schools and students in the country. Not only is attendance affected, but there are also other negative consequences for families. Many students have dropped out of school, or have postponed their studies indefinitely. The strike has also caused a significant financial burden for parents, who are forced to pay double school fees and double accommodation costs. This is problematic for students who are aiming to pursue a four-year course.
Many students have lost faith in the public universities. They become idle, and some even indulge in criminal activities. Sophia has pleaded with the government to intervene in the crisis. Oluwatomiwa Ogunniyi, another student, said the strike has affected her passion for studying.
The strike has also negatively affected academic performance in the universities. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike for five months. It has been affecting academic performance and families across the country.
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