FG not sincere about revitalising nation’s varsities system – ASUU

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has accused the Federal Government of insincerity over revitalising of public universities in the country.

This was disclosed by the institution branch chairman, Dr Joel Okewale, while briefing newsmen on the update of the on-going strike embarked by the Union, on Thursday, at the Mini campus of the University.

Okewale flanked by other members of the union including its secretary, Dr Olugbenga Azeez, past chairman and a member of ASUU Negotiating Team, Dr Adesola Nasir, explained that a sum of N20 billion released by the FG for the payment of shortfall in salaries was not solely released to ASUU.

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He said that the deceitful approach of the government had made it practically impossible for the Union to suspend the strike, urging Nigerians to show understanding with the lecturers saying the strike is to safeguard the future of university education in the country.

Okewale said that the federal government had failed to fully implement 2013 Memorandum of Understanding and 2017 Memorandum of Action signed with the Union for research development, infrastructural development, global competitiveness.

The union leader said, “The Union would continue with the strike action until the FG shows serious commitment to the payment of revitalization fund, renegotiation of 2009 agreement and addressing other matters such as release of NUPEMCO’s operation license by PenCom, full payment of arrears of shortfalls in salaries of university academies, release of the report of forensic audit on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), payment of outstanding arrears and mainstreaming the allowances.”

Nasir while corroborating Okewale said that government and operators were not sincere about revitalising the nation’s education, saying that ASUU OOU is totally committed to the strike.

“Nigerians should show understanding in this struggle. The strike is in the overall interest of the generality of Nigerians. We are in it together. It is not about our pockets. FG not sincere about revitalising and re-negotiation,” he added.