The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said its members are now engaged in non-academic activities for a living as the strike drags on.
Speaking to Punch, ASUU’a President Emmanuel Osodeke said the government’s decision not to respond to union demands is harming the nation.
“So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives. So many more will leave even after the strike too,” he said.
“I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table; look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg. Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”
Since February 14, ASUU has been on strike over issues such as improving welfare, revitalizing public universities, and academic autonomy.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU) on Saturday suspended their strike after the Federal Government pledged N50 billion to pay earned allowances for university staff, including ASUU.
Meanwhile, activities at public universities are expected to continue to be restricted as the ASUU strike continues Minister Adamu said ASUU opposed the government’s no work no way rule proposal.
The union insists that the government pay for six months in which its members were absent from the classroom.