Many Lecturers Have Ventured Into Other Jobs Including Farming since the Strike – ASUU
To survive the protracted strike, many university lecturers have turned to farming and other jobs, according to statement by ASUU
According to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while the strike action goes on, its members are now required to pursue non-academic endeavors in order to support themselves.
ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2022, in support of several objectives, such as improved welfare, revitalizing public universities, and academic autonomy.
According to ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke in an interview with Punch, the government’s decision to reject the union’s proposals is hurting the nation.
Both the Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on Saturday suspended their strike actions after the Federal Government pledged N50 billion to pay earned allowances for university staff, including ASUU members.
Activities in public universities are expected to be limited, though, while ASUU is still on strike.
According to Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education, ASUU rejected the government’s proposal over the “no work, no pay” principle.
The union has requested that the government be made to pay for the six months that its members were absent from Universities.
“So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives. So many more will leave even after the strike too,” he said.
“I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table; look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg. Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”
According to a report from SaharaReporters published on Monday, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU will meet next Monday to discuss the ongoing strike.
The Federal Government of Nigeria’s offers in the now more than six-month-old strike will be decided at the NEC meeting next Monday.
SaharaReporters
