We are not beggars, and hunger will not force us to resume, ASUU tells FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that its members are not beggars and that the halting of their salaries by the government will not force them to call off their strike.

The union’s leadership also praised members for remaining loyal to the union despite the hardships imposed on their families as a result of the Federal Government’s No-Work-No-Pay directive.

Following the government’s failure to meet some lingering union demands, ASUU announced a one-month warning strike on February 14, 2022, followed by another eight-week strike before launching its indefinite strike.

The Federal Government imposed No-Work-No-Pay as a result of the ongoing strike. Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, stated that the directive was in accordance with Section 43 of the Labour Law.

Though some of the union’s demands are still being negotiated, ASUU President Prof Emmanuel Osodeke expressed optimism that the union was on the verge of victory.

He did, however, note that the union’s resolve compelled the government to enter into negotiations.

“As the struggle continues, our members are commended for their commitment and tenacity in the patriotic struggle for the survival of our country’s university system,” he said.

“Our members are especially commended for remaining loyal to the union despite the hardships imposed on our families as a result of the wage freeze.” They have made it abundantly clear that we are not beggars, and as a result, hunger is an ineffective tool for breaking our resolve.

“The government has been forced to negotiate with us due to our tenacity.” We met with the Federal Government team five times and the Minister of Education twice. The renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement is going well and has reached a critical stage.

“However, we must maintain our focus until the end of this struggle.” For the third time, UTAS (University Transparency and Accountability Solution) has been tested. NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency) has tested UTAS and UPS so far, and will begin testing IPPIS next week. The antics of some government officials in this regard have not deterred us.

“We are on the verge of victory.” Let us remain committed to the union. A united people can never be defeated.”