The Academic Staff Union of Universities has outlined the steps that the government must take in order to end the six-month academic strike.
Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today that the government must be transparent.
“Government should tell us and Nigerians – the money that has been alleged to have been approved for revitalisation – how much is it and where is it lodged? When will it be released?” Prof Osodeke said.
The university don added that the government must clearly state its position on the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), a payroll system which ASUU wants as a replacement for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS).
“Three, have they accepted the agreement we reached with their panel? They should come and tell us this, and not go to the press,” Prof. Osodeke said.
The ASUU President accused the Federal Government of appealing to sensibilities rather than solving the issues raised by the union.
“Strike is a symptom of a problem,” Prof Osodeke said. “Any day you sort out that problem, you will not have strike.”
ASUU has been on strike since February 14
On Monday, the union declared a “total and indefinite” extension of its industrial action, noting that the government has failed to satisfactorily meets its demands.
The academics are seeking improved welfare, revitalisation of public universities and academic autonomy among other demands.
One bone of contention for the academics is the non-payment of university revitalisation funds, which amounts to about N1.1 trillion.
But the Federal Government has said it doesn’t have the money to pay such an amount, citing low oil prices during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.