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JUST-IN: Why We Issued 21-Day Strike Notice To FG – ASUU
FLASH: Why We Issued 21-Day Strike Notice To FG – ASUU
ASUU Warns of Nationwide Strike as Federal Government Fails to Fulfill Promises
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the federal government of consistently failing to address the critical issues that continue to hinder the development of Nigeria’s universities.
Earlier, ASUU issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, while speaking at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Abia, revealed the outcomes of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. The meeting, held between August 17 and August 18 at the University of Ibadan, focused on the unresolved issues that have plagued the nation’s tertiary education system.
The union plans to reconvene at the end of the 21-day notice to decide whether to proceed with the strike. This looming strike could become ASUU’s 17th strike in 23 years, following the 2022 industrial action.
Osodeke expressed disappointment over the federal and state governments’ apparent refusal to address the issues that led to previous strikes. He reported that the NEC had received “alarming reports” regarding the government’s unfulfilled promises from the 2022 strike.
He criticized the minister of education for the “slow pace of intervention” in resolving these longstanding issues.
Among ASUU’s demands are the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, increased funding for universities, and the establishment of an emergency revitalization fund for public universities. The union is also pushing for the payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, the release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and third-party deductions meant for its members.
Additionally, Osodeke highlighted grievances over illegal recruitment practices, the proliferation of public universities, and the violation of university laws. The union is also demanding the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to preserve university autonomy.
In a show of solidarity, ASUU has declared September 10 as a day to support members who have been “unjustly persecuted” across various universities.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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