ASUU President Declares Lecturers and Students Are ‘Victims of Government Inaction’

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has countered the Federal Government’s narrative regarding the current industrial action, stating that its members view themselves as victims of the government’s lack of action, mirroring the way students see themselves as victims of the ongoing situation.

Dependable NG reports that the union’s national president, Professor Chris Piwuna, made this assertive statement on Monday while being interviewed on Politics Today, a popular programme broadcast on Channels Television. This declaration comes on the heels of the university lecturers’ commencement of a two-day warning strike aimed at pressuring the government to meet their lingering demands.

Professor Piwuna was categorical in his position, stating, “Both Nigerian students and the lecturers are victims of government inaction and several other things.” He added that the union’s members see themselves as victims of the current administration, just as the students feel victimized by the continuous disruption in the academic calendar.

The ASUU leader also briefly addressed the claim made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that the Federal Government had met all of the union’s demands. While acknowledging that the Minister is an appointee of President Bola Tinubu and is their “boss,” Professor Piwuna maintained that a collaborative effort is necessary to resolve the crisis. He subtly dismissed the Minister’s claim by stating, “It is not my plan to respond to what the Minister of Education said that the federal government has met all our plans. He’s a minister appointed by President Bola Tinubu. He’s our boss but we need to work hand-in-hand.” The strike is over several unresolved issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld salaries.