The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) held its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife on May 11 and 12.
In its resolutions, ASUU gave the government a two-week ultimatum to reinstate public universities’ governing councils, which it dissolved in June 2023, and also address its members’ remuneration, among other matters.
ASUU warned that if its demands aren’t met, it may lead to another strike, causing concern among stakeholders.
This situation has once again raised questions about the effectiveness of strikes in achieving ASUU’s goals and the need for alternative solutions.
Context and History
At least, ASUU has gone on strike 16 times since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, with the last strike occurring in February 2022.
These strikes have resulted in significant disruptions to academic activities, with the longest strike in recent times lasting eight months. The government’s “no work, no pay” policy has further complicated the situation, leading to unpaid salaries for lecturers.
However, early this year, Buhari’s successor, President Bola Tinubu, decided to pay two months from the eight months’ salaries while vowing to pay the remaining six months in subsequent times.
“I believe President Tinubu will make the right decisive decision on this looming ASUU strike! Our academic institutions must be respected and supported at all times by any serious government! This present administration has done that so well from day one!” Henry MD, a stakeholder, expressed optimism in the President Tinubu-led government to stall the looming ASUU strike.
The Current Situation
The dissolution of governing councils in June 2023 has raised concerns about university autonomy and the absence of a regulatory body.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized that the absence of governing councils has led to “illegalities” in public universities. Dr. Abednego Silverstone, an Education Researcher, noted that some council members were “going outside their mandates and interfering with the daily running of universities.”
Government Response
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has responded to ASUU’s ultimatum, stating that the government is working on reconstituting the governing councils. Acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, emphasized the need for qualified and experienced individuals to fill these positions.
“To reconstitute the Councils of 61 universities is not a small feat. The government is working to ensure that people who are qualified and with the right pedigree are put in those councils,” Maiyaki stated. He also urged the leadership of the academic union to exercise patience while they put the list together for the benefit of the country.
However, ASUU remains skeptical, citing the government’s history of unfulfilled promises.
Experts suggest alternatives
Education experts agree that the absence of governing councils is detrimental to university progress, but they also caution against relying solely on strikes to achieve ASUU’s goals.
Dr. Folashade Akinbi, an Education Policy Analyst, suggests that “strikes have not yielded the desired results in the past; it’s time for ASUU to explore alternative strategies.”
She advised ASUU to prioritize negotiations with the government, emphasizing that “dialogue and collaboration are key to finding lasting solutions.”
While acknowledging the disruption caused by strikes, ASUU argues that previous negotiation attempts have been unsuccessful.
However, experts propose other alternative strategies that the union could employ.
These include public awareness campaigns, highlighting specific issues through targeted campaigns to gain public support for their demands.
The body has also been advised they could also consider international collaboration, partnering with academic unions in other countries to exert pressure on the government through international channels.
Also, symbolic protests through organizing peaceful demonstrations to raise public awareness without disrupting academic activities are seen as better alternatives to strikes.
Student Impact
When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Strikes have a significant impact on students, causing disruptions to their academic calendars and potentially affecting their future prospects. Student Union activist, Olamide Oyebade, expressed frustration, stating, “We’re tired of being caught in the middle of these disputes. We just want to focus on our studies.”
The latest ASUU strike threat highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to addressing the issues facing Nigeria’s public universities.
While strikes have been a traditional means of protest, they have not yielded the desired results. It’s time for ASUU, the government, and other stakeholders to explore alternative solutions that prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and the well-being of students.
