- UniAbuja ASUU affirms strike continuation until grievances addressed, warns against dissent among members facing disciplinary action
- Branch Chairman emphasizes overwhelming participation in strike, clarifies withdrawal of services rather than physical closure of university
The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has affirmed its commitment to continue the ongoing strike until all pertinent issues are satisfactorily addressed.
Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, the branch Chairman, emphasized to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the union stands firm in its resolve, with members refraining from work.
Ugoh cautioned against dissent within the union’s ranks, warning that any member found contravening the strike action would face disciplinary measures.
Ugoh reiterated the union’s stance, stating that an overwhelming majority of lecturers, 90 to 95 percent, are participating in the strike.
The UniAbuja ASUU branch commenced the indefinite strike on May 2 to draw attention to several grievances, including the University’s failure to conduct elections for Deans of Faculties and Provosts of the College of Health Sciences.
Furthermore, the Union cited the irregular promotion of staff members without adherence to due process and procedural lapses in the selection process for the Vice Chancellor position.
Ugoh clarified that ASUU’s action involved withdrawing services rather than physically closing the university, emphasizing that members abstain from their duties.
Responding to reports that some lecturers had expressed willingness to resume lectures, Ugoh acknowledged the possibility of dissenting voices but reaffirmed ASUU’s collective decision.
In contrast, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, asserted that the university management was unaware of any strike action.
Yakoob noted a willingness among lecturers to resume teaching duties and indicated student readiness for academic activities.
Despite students returning to campus for the second semester, NAN’s visit to the university’s permanent site revealed the absence of ongoing academic activities in lecture halls.