The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s directive enforcing the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking lecturers. He recently declared that the union will not bow to intimidation or threats.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, ASUU President, Dr Chris Piwuna, said that the union will remain united and resolute in its struggle.
According to him, despite the Federal Government’s attempts to divide the academic community through selective payment and threats, their stance will remain firm against all odds.
He accused FG of deliberately reaching out to other academic associations such as the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) in a bid to create division among university staff.
“We don’t respond to threats, and nobody can threaten us.
He is threatening us, writing to NAMDA and CONUA, telling them they can get their salaries. He wants to divide us, but we are united in this matter,” he said.
Dr Chris further noted that ASUU is currently in solidarity with other major university and tertiary institution unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and academic staff in polytechnics and colleges of education, amid the ongoing strike.
He concluded by advising the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to prioritise resolving the dispute rather than issuing ultimatums.
“CONUA is with us, NAMDA is with us, SSANU is with us, NASU is with us. The polytechnics and colleges of education are also with us.
He had better sit down and solve this problem or he will fail in trying to divide us.
Today, I received a call from the Minister of State for Labour. She said she has been directed to intervene and get this matter resolved. ASUU is willing. We are ready and available to discuss this matter once and for all,” he added.
