ASUU embarks on nationwide consultation with members over non-implementation of agreements by FG

THE National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, has said that the Federal Government has not implemented all the agreements it reached with the organised labour, particularly between ASUU, since the administration of President Bola Tinubu was inaugurated in May 2023.

He stated this in an interactive session with the newsmen during the week at the Gidan Kwano Main Campus of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, the Niger State capital, adding that members the National Executive Council (NEC) of the body are currently on a nationwide consultation with members of the branches of the union in order to take a decision on the next line of action y after the NEC meeting later this month.

Professor Osodeke expressed regrets that despite the gentlemen agreement between the union and the Federal Government, no dime had been paid to its members, thereby creating unnecessary hardship for their families.

Asked if promises made by the Federal Government had been fulfilled, Osodeke said: “Well, none has been implemented. On the issue of wage award and the issue of seven and half salary arrears, I can tell you that nothing has been implemented. In fact, as I am talking to you now, none of our members has been paid.”

On the possibility of embarking on industrial action to press home their demands, ASUU boss said the association will present all the suggestions gathered during its nationwide consultations at the NEC meeting and take necessary action.

Speaking on the association’s next line of action, Professor Osodeke said, “That is why we have come to see our members and we are seeking their views about the next line of action which we are taking to our NEC meeting in February ( this month). And at the NEC meeting we are going to take a decision”, he noted.

Also in a separate remark, the branch Chairman, ASUU, FUTMinna Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, described the visit of Professor Osodeke and his entourage to the University as encouraging and assured him of his members’ unflinching support to achieve the set objective.