The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned strike, promising his intervention to address the issues.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Conference of ASUU on Thursday in Abuja, the Speaker noted that the union should equally find alternative means of resolving industrial disputes in the university system other than the regular resort to strike.
Speaker Abbas who was represented at the conference by the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata said Education is not merely a means to acquire knowledge; it is a powerful tool for social change and economic empowerment adding that as the intellectual backbone of the nation, ASUU must take the lead in initiating studies that will address the daunting challenges as a nation, just as they did with TETFUND.
He said “ASUU has taken on the mantle of responsibility that extends beyond the walls of academia. Their efforts in assisting the needy are commendable and reflect a deep-seated understanding of the challenges faced by many in our society. Through various initiatives, ASUU has provided support to vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind. This commitment to humanitarianism is not merely an act of charity; it is a profound recognition that education must be coupled with social responsibility.
“In addition to direct assistance, ASUU has been at the forefront of advocating for socio-economic justice. They have tirelessly campaigned for policies that promote equity and fairness within our educational institutions and beyond. By addressing issues such as funding disparities, access to quality education, and fair treatment for all citizens, ASUU champions a vision where every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Moreover, ASUU’s advocacy extends to urging our government to prioritize the welfare and well-being of its citizens. It is imperative that those in power recognize their duty to create an environment where education flourishes alongside social progress. The call for responsible governance is not just a plea; it is a demand for accountability from those who hold the reins of leadership.
“The essence of ASUU lies in its commitment to advocacy and research. Our union has consistently pushed for policies that prioritize education as a catalyst for national growth. The research conducted by our esteemed members has illuminated pathways toward innovative solutions to pressing challenges facing our society—from economic instability to social injustice.
‘”The theme: “Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for A New Path to Development”—is not only timely but also critical as we navigate through unprecedented challenges that threaten our national fabric.’
He said “in the same vein, we must equally find alternative means of resolving industrial disputes in the university system other than the regular resort to strike. While I understand painful decision often involved before a strike action is called by ASUU, we must equally strive to maintain industrial harmony and stability in the universities through alternative dispute resolution system.
“In recent years, we have witnessed a series of industrial disputes within our universities that have disrupted academic calendars and hindered the pursuit of knowledge. While I understand the painful decisions involved before a strike action is called by ASUU, I urge all stakeholders to consider alternative means of resolving these disputes.
“We must strive to maintain industrial harmony and stability within our institutions through an effective alternative dispute resolution system.
“Accordingly, I call upon ASUU to shelve any plans for another round of strike once the fourteen-day ultimatum issued to the government elapses. The impact of strikes on students’ education cannot be overstated; it affects their future and undermines the integrity of our educational system. Let us work together to explore avenues that allow us to address grievances without resorting to strikes.
“I assure you that I will utilize the instruments available to me as Speaker of the House of Representatives to facilitate meaningful interventions aimed at resolving outstanding issues affecting our universities. We must prioritize education as a national asset and invest in its future by ensuring that our academic staff are adequately supported.”
In his opening remark, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke called on the government and relevant stakeholders to implement the resolution that will emerge from the conference.
Prof. Osodeke noted that the failure to implement the conference resolution of 1984 is one of the major reasons for the current crisis in the country.
The National President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, Executive Secretary of National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Chris Maiyaki, ASUU officials from different zones are among those attending the two-day conference.
