The Academic Staff Union of Universities
(ASUU) says it has not been briefed on the
alleged payment of N15.9 billion to universities
by the federal government, two months after it
embarked on strike.
The union’s National President, Biodun
Ogunyemi, disclosed this in an interview with
the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on
Wednesday in Lagos.
The unionist was reacting to reports that the
federal government had on December 31, 2018,
released N15.9 billion to universities.
The report stated that the fund was for the
payment of shortfall in salaries of universities.
“Well someone actually drew my attention to
that newspaper report. I have not received any
formal letter from federal government,
conveying such information to us.
“The only information I got from the Minister
of Labour this afternoon when we spoke was
that they have done something concerning our
demands; what they have done, I do not know.
“The other thing he told me was that there is
going to be a meeting between us (ASUU) and
government on Monday.
“It is only when we get to the meeting that we
will be able to know what government has
done and if it is okay by us, then we will
convey same to our members who will now
take the next line of action,” he said.
The union on November 4, 2018, embarked on
what they had described as ‘comprehensive,
total and indefinite nationwide strike’ to press
home their demands.
The striking lecturers are protesting against
alleged non-implementation of agreements they
entered into with the federal government in
2013 and 2017.
They are also protesting the poor welfare, poor
funding, and general decay in education
infrastructure, among others.
Since the commencement of the strike,
members of the union have met with the
federal government six times, to find a way
forward to the issues, all ending in a deadlock.
