The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions have appealed to the Federal Government to implement all signed agreements to foster industrial harmony in the nation's tertiary institutions. Speaking at the Educational Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) dialogue series held virtually, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna emphasized that harmony requires the entire system to function smoothly, not just one union.
ASUU President Calls for Full Implementation
Prof. Piwuna noted that since the signing of agreements in January, the government has failed to address every aspect of the pact. He urged the government to take concrete steps to ensure all terms are met, warning that selective implementation undermines trust and stability.
SSANU Voices Concerns Over Government Insincerity
President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed frustration over what he described as the government's insincerity in negotiations. He stated that the union has been engaging with the government for about two years, yet progress remains slow.
Vice President of SSANU, Western zone, Dr. Abdulsobur Abdulsalam, condemned the delay in salary payments, calling it a punitive measure or a deliberate attempt to sabotage the union. He criticized the Federal Government's lack of respect for collective bargaining.
EWAN Highlights Gaps Between Promise and Practice
Chairman of the Organising Committee, EWAN, Iyabo Lawal, pointed out that the dialogue revealed significant gaps between agreement and implementation, policy and payment, and promise and practice. She stressed that students should not bear the brunt of these failures and called on all parties to convene a roundtable to resolve pending issues, ensuring the academic calendar runs smoothly.
EWAN President, Mojeed Alabi, remarked that the move by SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) to go on strike was not unexpected, as signs had been visible for over five months. He urged the government to provide prompt feedback if challenges arise.
Call for Dialogue and Resolution
Both unions reiterated the need for sincere dialogue to address outstanding issues. The recurring theme from all speakers was that industrial harmony is achievable only when agreements are fully implemented and all stakeholders are treated fairly. The unions warned that continued inaction could disrupt the academic calendar and harm students' futures.
