By Okunola Oluwaseyi
Silence has once again reared its ugly head in universities as ASUU declares a two-week warning strike for various reasons. Here are five of the various reasons for the strike:
First, the union stated that the Federal Government keeps going back on agreements that go as far back as 2009. Several promises of funds for revitalising the union and improving welfare remain unfulfilled.
Second, there’s the issue of poor funding, which has led to outdated classrooms, under-equipped laboratories, and insufficient hostels in most of the public universities.
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Also, ASUU is demanding that the Federal Government introduce a fair and reviewed salary structure that matches the current state of the economy in the state.
Furthermore, the union has an issue with the IPPIS payroll system that the government utilizes in paying its workers. However, this system, according to the union, violates university autonomy. The union has proposed its own model, UTAS, but the adoption is still being stalled.
Finally, the union states the problem of research and academic development being almost totally neglected, saying these are key areas that could drive national progress.
Until these issues are resolved by the government, students may have to endure another long wait before returning to class because the union has stated that they would be going on another indefinite strike if their demands are not met or at least an agreement is not made before the two weeks elapse.
