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August 26, (THEWILL) — Academic activities were paralysed across several Nigerian universities on Tuesday as the nationwide rallies directed by the National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) intensified.
The demonstrations, described by the union as renewed pressure on the Federal Government, highlighted years of unresolved disputes and served as a warning of bigger actions if its demands remain unmet.
At the University of Lagos rally, ASUU Chairman, Prof. Idowu Kehinde, condemned the government’s handling of the lecturers’ welfare.
He lamented that members were teaching “on empty stomachs” due to poor remuneration and the non-payment of three and a half months’ outstanding salaries.
Lecturers displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Education is life, pay lecturers living wages,” “Neglect of university education is a path to underdevelopment,” and “Proper funding of university education is non-negotiable,” while urging Nigerians to prevail on the government to resolve the impasse.
The protests disrupted academic activities on campuses nationwide, as ASUU reiterated its demands, including full implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.
Union congresses across different zones also mandated the NEC to declare an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to act promptly.
A former ASUU zonal chairman in Lagos explained:
“At our congresses, members expressed displeasure at the government’s attitude.
“We acknowledge the planned meeting of Thursday, August 28, but if nothing comes out of it, NEC will take the appropriate step.
“The only language the government understands is strike. Sixteen years after the government signed the 2009 agreement that would have addressed many issues in public universities, successive administrations have failed to implement it. The congresses have spoken.”
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