The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Modibbo Adama University, Yola (MAU), has declared its readiness to join the nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address the union’s long-standing demands within the remaining one week of its 14-day ultimatum.
The university branch Chairperson, Comrade M. B. Modibbo, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen in Yola, explaining that lecturers have run out of patience after several unfulfilled promises by the government. According to him, the union had hoped for a positive response following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on September 29. However, one week after communicating their resolutions to the relevant ministries, no meaningful step has been taken.
Comrade Modibbo emphasized that the unresolved issues include:
- Full implementation of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government Agreement,
- Improved funding of public universities,
- Academic staff welfare,
- Release of three and a half months of withheld salaries,
- Release of third-party deductions, and
- Payment of promotion arrears, among others.
He lamented that despite numerous committees and memoranda of understanding signed over the years, the government continues to delay action, making the situation unbearable for lecturers and students alike.
According to him, the prolonged disputes and lack of commitment from the government have weakened the morale of university lecturers, disrupted academic calendars, and affected the quality of education.
“We cannot continue to work under these harsh conditions while our agreements remain ignored. What we are asking for is fairness and respect for the sanctity of agreements,” Comrade Modibbo stressed.
The ASUU branch chairperson also called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, to expedite dialogue with the national leadership of ASUU before the ultimatum expires. He warned that failure to act promptly could lead to another nationwide shutdown of universities, similar to the protracted strike of 2022.
In his final remarks, Comrade Modibbo urged members of ASUU at Modibbo Adama University to stay united, remain peaceful, and be guided by instructions from their branch and zonal coordinators.
“We are not going on strike for pleasure; we are fighting for the future of public universities and for generations yet unborn. Education must not be allowed to collapse under our watch,” he concluded.
0 Comments