The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Abuja has commenced an indefinite strike to address pressing issues affecting the union’s interests.
The decision to initiate the strike was announced at the conclusion of the union’s congress held at the Permanent Site of the institution on Thursday.
Tensions have escalated between the union and key stakeholders, including Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, and the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdulrasheed Na’allah, regarding the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.
ASUU vehemently rejected an advertisement purportedly approved by the Minister, seeking candidates to succeed Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah as the Vice Chancellor of UniAbuja.
According to Sylvanus Ugoh, chairman of UniAbuja ASUU, the Union cited the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act 1993 as amended in 2003 and 2012, emphasizing that only the governing council has the authority to advertise the VC position when vacant.
Ugoh argued that any other entity or individual lacks the legal mandate to initiate the process of appointing a new VC.
Expressing concern over what they perceive as a violation of university autonomy and established laws, ASUU condemns the actions of the Minister of Education and the university administration.
Despite resolutions passed during the congress on March 6, 2024, communicated to the university administration, ASUU claims that the administration proceeded to publish the contentious advertisement.
The ASUU leadership has advised potential applicants for the VC position to refrain from engaging with the advert until proper due process is followed.
Chairman Sylvanus Ugoh confirmed to the media that the strike will be total, indefinite, and effective immediately.
