The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at the University of Abuja has initiated an indefinite strike to address concerns regarding recent developments within the union. The decision to embark on the strike was announced on Thursday following a congress held at the institution’s Permanent Site.
The UniAbuja ASUU members have been embroiled in a dispute with the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah, and the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, concerning the procedures for appointing a new VC. Tensions escalated when an advertorial appeared in a national daily on March 15, 2024, seeking candidates to replace Na’Allah.
However, ASUU members, in a conference, rejected the advertisement, labeling it “illegal” and asserting that it did not originate from the governing council. According to Sylvanus Ugoh, the Chairman of UniAbuja ASUU, the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1993 as amended in 2003 and 2012 (Section 3, subsections 1 and 2) stipulates that only the governing council has the authority to advertise the VC position when it becomes vacant.
Ugoh emphasized that no other entity or individual is legally empowered to initiate the process of appointing a new VC. The unilateral action taken by the university administration regarding the advertisement of the VC vacancy has sparked discontent among ASUU members, leading to the decision to commence an indefinite strike.
Further details regarding the strike and ongoing negotiations are expected to be provided at a later time.
