Pro-chancellors call on Federal Government to prevent another ASUU strike
Pro-chancellors call on Federal Government to prevent another ASUU strike
The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities has urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to prevent another strike in the nation’s universities amid the unresolved dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In a communiqué issued after its 69th meeting in Abuja, signed by Acting Chairman Prof. Ayodeji Omole, the pro-chancellors cautioned that the country’s universities may not withstand a fresh wave of industrial action.
“The nation cannot afford another strike in the university system, especially as institutions are yet to fully recover from the disruptions caused by the last crisis,” the communiqué read.
ASUU had recently embarked on nationwide protests to push for the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FG-ASUU agreement.
The union has consistently sought clear commitments on improved salaries, conditions of service, funding of universities, autonomy, and a review of laws governing the National Universities Commission.
To forestall fresh conflict, the pro-chancellors urged the government to increase budgetary allocations to education annually and to involve COPSUN representatives in negotiations and dispute resolution whenever national trade disputes involving university unions arise.
“Governments must review annually and increase budgetary allocations to education to strengthen the universities. COPSUN representatives should also be part of negotiations with university-based unions to ensure smoother and more effective dispute resolution,” the communiqué added.
The pro-chancellors also emphasized the need for governing councils to adhere strictly to university laws in order to maintain harmony with vice-chancellors and other principal officers.
They further commended the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the establishment of new universities, noting that the policy would help consolidate and strengthen existing institutions.
