The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU seems not moved by the
federal government’s sack threat as there has been no indication so far
that lecturers would return to classrooms before the December 4
deadline.
Although some Vice-Chancellors have recalled their students, whether the lecturers would turn up for classes remains to be seen.
The Presidency, however wouldn’t go soft on the lecturers despite
pleas and criticism from different quarters on the sack threat, as it
accused ASUU leaders of treachery and warned the university lecturers
not to dare the resolve of government to carry out its threat if they
failed to resume.
Supervising Minister for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike last Thursday gave
the lecturers a seven-day ultimatum to resume from their five-month
strike or risk being sacked. President Goodluck Jonathan, however,
clarified, weekend, in Bayelsa that the Federal Government did not give
the ultimatum, stating that it was given by the Committee of Vice
Chancellors, whose decision was only made public by the minister.
Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, Professor
Mike Faborode, however denied the claim that his committee gave the
ultimatum, passing the buck to the Committee of Pro-Chancellors.
ASUU meantime said no academic activities would resume until the
Federal Government perfects and implements resolutions reached with the
union.
Reacting on President Goodluck Jonathan’s denial that he never issued
any ultimatum to the union, the National President of ASUU, Dr. Nasir
Fagge and University of Ibadan chapter of the Union, ASUU described it
as laughable.
Fagge said: “Comrades, can you see the unfolding drama? Now, Jonathan
says they didn’t give ultimatum; that the Vice Chancellors did and Wike
became their trumpet; But NUC’s ultimatum is by Federal Government to
us to resume or get sacked. And Wike’s press address says “FG has
directed, “NOT”VCs have directed”Be calm, stay resolute. By God, we are
on course”
Speaking in the same vein, UI ASUU chairman, Dr. Segun Ajiboye asked
parents not to risk the precious lives of “our students by releasing
them, saying no lecturer will teach them.
“Don’t risk the lives of your children, keep your children at home
because ASUU will not teach. Soldiers and the police deployed by the
Federal Government will not teach. Mr Wike can come and teach in
university. It is a huge joke to sack professors. Our strike must not be
in vain. Our students must see the results. It is funny; we thought we
are in a democracy. I assure Nigerians that we know what the law says
about the strike. Our job is statute backed. We are not threatened. We
do not trust the government. The record of the government is clear. This
government is dishonouring agreements. Our members are resolved to
pursue this to a logical conclusion”
In a text message to its staff on the state of things, UI ASUU said;
“Dear members, stay calm and remain resolute. There is nothing wrong in
asking govt to do what it says it will do immediately. ASUU is not
making any new demands as the Minister is propagating. Government is
only repeating a ‘one act play’ scripted by the IBB dictatorship in
early 90s. It didn’t work then, and, it won’t work now. All branches are
intact. We cannot be intimidated!United we bargain, divided we
beg!!!Aluta Continua.”
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