The unending strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is one that should disturb every well-meaning Nigerian. The refusal of both parties to reach a consensus reveals absolute negligence and gross insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian students. It also shows the recklessness in the handling of the educational system.
The media has disclosed that the Academic Staff Union of Universities has spent 1,500 days on strike in about 18 years. This is since the return to democracy in the 4th Republic. What this means is that over 19.5 percent of the academic session is dedicated to strike action alone. The 1999 strike action lasted for 150 days. The 90-day strike in 2001 was a result of the sacking of some lecturers at the University of Ilorin. The 2003 strike stretched six months to 2004. There was also a 120-day strike from June to October in 2009.
The recent indefinite strike began on March 23, 2020. This was after President Buhari declared a nationwide lockdown to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike action has persisted for about 259 days. The back-and-forth disagreement over the platform to be used in the payment of salaries has been the crux of the strike action. The government insisted that all lecturers be registered on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Refusal to register will lead to no payment of salary. The FG stated that the IPPIS platform was a means to curtail a large number of ghost workers in the country. However, revenue-generating agencies were exempted from the platform. This led to the refusal of the IPPIS by ASUU. The union recommended that the FG make do with their University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
Poor investment in the educational sector has been the outcry of the union. ASUU members feel a nation that allocates a meager 6.3 percent of its proposed 2021 budget to the education sector is one that has failed to recognize the value of education. For stakeholders, this has contributed to backwardness in the area of research and development in the sector.
Government funding remains a major means of maintaining the educational sector in most countries. The federal and state budget for education in Nigeria is extremely low. The 2021 federal budget proposal for education is about N742.5 billion from the large N13.08 trillion budget. Nigerian universities are characterized by overcrowded classes, poorly equipped laboratories, shabby hostels, among others.
What almost seems like a never-ending strike action was shrouded with rays of hope when Chief Chris Ngige, the labour minister disclosed that the Federal Government has come to terms with ASUU’s demands. The government agreed to fund the revitalization of universities, pay salary shortfalls, constitute visitation panels for universities, and look into the use of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). The government also agreed to release N40 billion for the Earned Allowances and N30 billion for the revitalization of the university system.
Despite the government’s proposal, ASUU has refused to resume duties. The
ASUU leaders have demanded that due consultations must be made to its chapters. The leaders added that all chapters are to agree on the terms of resolution. This has led to a contrast of opinions. The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM) demanded the full payment of their salary arrears up to November before the suspension of the strike. The ASUU chapters of the University of Maiduguri, Yobe State University, and Federal University Gashua also demanded that they want a serious commitment from the Federal Government before the suspension of the strike action.
Professor Biodun has disclosed that he cannot tell when the outcome of their consultation would be decided. He however stated that whatever decision made would be in the nation’s interest. This indicates no commitment on the expected suspension of the strike has been made to the government. The union also denied news reports stating that it had agreed to call off the ongoing strike.
Presently, it seems the issue of resumption has shifted from the government to the ASUU. Although the COVID-19 lockdown contributed to the delay in the resumption of academic activities, the Union through their foot-dragging has wasted a major part of the year on strike action. It is so surprising that for over eight months of the strike action, the union did not decide exactly what they want. This is denying students their right to learn. It can as well be seen as neglect of duty and lack of concern for the students.
The students have always bore the brunt of strike actions. ASUU, one way or the other would be paid their salaries. Their demands may be a drag, but the government would eventually meet up with it. ASUU will have very little to lose in the long run. Meanwhile, the students have wasted months to the strike, extending their years in school.
The President of ASUU, in justifying the union’s action, stated that they have done well to put the government on their toes. He added that their efforts had helped in reducing the deteriorating state of universities. Prof. Abiodun disclosed that it was ASUU that birthed the TETFUND through their protests. ‘If you are looking at the negative side of the strikes, you should also look at the positive sides. If not for ASUU, there would be no TETFUND. Universities have been funding infrastructure and capital development both at federal and state levels with grants from TETFUND’, he added.
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The country is yet to know when the merry-go-round will end. It always seems that the Federal Government and ASUU enjoy being at the center of the entire show as they make the headlines every passing week. Intentions to resolve all discrepancies to bring about advancement in the education sector seem far-away. It’s quite a pity that both parties are not directly affected by the strike action. However, one hopes the whole issue would be resolved sooner than later.
Peace Omenka
