Universities in Nigeria are heading for yet
another major shut down as University workers have resolved to commence a
nationwide strike from Monday, 10th December 2012, over unpaid allowances and
job security.
What is sad about this development is not only
that it is going to cripple the education sector once again, but the grievance
of the workers is over an agreement that has been signed since 2009.
The workers, under the umbrella of Senior
Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU are concerned over
non-implementation of 2009 agreement government entered with them, especially
as it concerned earned allowances to non-teaching staff members of SSANU and
the planned outsourcing of non-teaching staff in universities.
According to Vanguard, the workers have written to President Goodluck
Jonathan, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Labour and
Productivity and the National University Commission, NUC stating their
grievances and threatening industrial unrest.
Here is an excerpt of the letter:
“We regret to inform Mr. President that up till
this time of writing, earned allowances, as contained in the 2009 FGN/SSANU
agreement, have not been implemented, despite all pressures mounted on the
FGN/Staff Unions Agreement Implementation and Monitoring Committee.
“The National Executive Council at its 20th
regular meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday,
November 23, 2012, resolved to embark on a week warning strike beginning
Monday, December 10, 2012.”
Members of the Academic Staff Union of
Univerisites (ASUU) as well, have embarked on strike actions more than
a few times over the non implementation of the provisions of the 2009
FGN/ASUU Agreement. The Federal Government also entered into a similar
agreement with SSANU called the 2009 FGN/SSANU Agreement and
up till now, the provisions of both agreements have not been fully met.
This announcement is very disturbing to students,
parents and other stakeholders in Nigerian Universities. It is hoped that
President Jonathan would look into the demands made by the University workers
and ensure they are met to forestall the strike. Strikes in our Nigerian Universities
are indeed one too many.
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