The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal government to extend the seven years moratorium on issuance of license for establishment of new Universities to state government to prevent total collapse of state own higher institutions.
Besides, ASUU reminded government to fulfill its promises in meeting the demands of the Union insisted the union will not hesitate full blown action after the expiration of t’s one month ultimatum.
Addressing press conference on Monday in Kano, ASUU Zonal Chairman, Kano Zone, Professor Abdulkadir Mohammed expressed concern over the proliferation of universities without proper funding especially by state governments.
ASUU recalled its two-week warning strike in October, which was suspended to allow for meaningful dialogue and to acknowledge the goodwill of students, parents, the NLC, the National Assembly, and other concerned Nigerians.
Professor Abdulkadir condemned what it described as government propaganda, misrepresenting the status of the negotiations. He criticized the persistent neglect of the education sector, warning that treating education as a commodity undermines national development and security.
“The Union hopes for a quick and holistic resolution is not fading. While the government has made partial payments such as some promotion arrears and third-party deductions, the union argues that these gestures are insufficient and do not address the core issues of poor working conditions and worsening brain drain in universities.
“With the one-month ultimatum to the government nearing its end, ASUU appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, trade unions, students, parents, and the wider public to press the government to honour its commitments and prevent another total shutdown of public universities”. ASUU Chairman noted.