As Nigerians lament the country’s economic difficulties as a result of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has promised to battle the federal government.
Prof Nanmwa Voncir, ASUU’s acting Zonal Coordinator (Bauchi Branch), announced this on Friday while briefing journalists at the union’s secretariat in Jos, Plateau State’s capital.
Since taking office last year, President Tinubu has abolished fuel subsidies and currency restrictions, resulting in a tripling of gas prices and an increase in living costs as the naira fell against the dollar. Many Nigerians have resorted to the streets to express their discontent with Tinubu’s leadership style, despite the president’s calls for patience.
However, during a press conference, Voncir lamented the working conditions in the country’s higher institutions, as well as the sufferings endured by the masses.
“We will never run away from confronting the ruling class in this country as long as they will never do what is right,” he was quoted as saying.
“Even if it is only for the socioeconomic problems of our country, ASUU would rise up and oppose the administration. ASUU will fight not only for our working conditions, but also for the country’s economic crisis and the plight of the underprivileged.
Prof Nanmwa Voncir, ASUU’s interim zonal coordinator (Bauchi Branch), briefs journalists in Jos on February 23, 2024.
In 2009, the Federal Government reached an agreement with ASUU on three key issues: service conditions, money, and university autonomy.
The organization has been urging the government to honour the renegotiated deal led by the late Emeritus Prof Nimi Briggs committee in order to avoid a potential strike. They contended that the government’s adherence to the deal would keep the nation’s varsities from crumbling.
The organization also expressed worries about multiple court lawsuits initiated to resolve persisting issues that are causing the downturn in tertiary institutions.