ASUU Bauchi Zone Warns of New Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has issued a fresh warning that public universities may soon be plunged into another round of strikes if the Federal Government fails to resolve outstanding issues affecting its members.

In a statement released on Friday, the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Namo Timothy, criticized the government for what he described as years of neglect despite numerous negotiations and appeals. He reminded Nigerians that the union’s nationwide strike, which lasted from February to October 2022, was suspended in good faith with the expectation that the authorities would implement pending agreements.

“Unfortunately, many of the issues we suspended our strike over remain unresolved. Three months ago, we held a press briefing to highlight these lingering challenges, but little progress has been made. Once again, we call on the government to act now or risk another industrial crisis,” Timothy said.

The union identified the key issues to include the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement, sustainable funding and revitalization of public universities, payment of arrears on the 25–35 percent wage award, settlement of promotion arrears, release of withheld third-party deductions, and an end to what it described as victimization of members at Lagos State University, Kogi State University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Timothy alleged that some lecturers in the listed institutions were unlawfully dismissed and denied their salaries, calling on the Federal Government to urgently address these grievances, release revitalisation funds, and implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement without further delay.

While praising ASUU members for their patience since the suspension of the last strike, he cautioned that the union could no longer guarantee industrial peace if the issues remain unresolved.

The Bauchi Zone of ASUU covers institutions across Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, and other neighbouring states.