By: Olajide Oladokun
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Ibadan chapter, on Wednesday embarked on a rally to sensitize the public about the failure of the Federal Government to implement the Memorandum of Action signed with the union two years ago.
The Union had earlier declared a lecture-free day in the university to show solidarity with other chapters across the nation and to ensure full participation from her members.
Addressing the media, the chairman of ASUU UI, Professor Ayo Akinwole told the public to hold the President, Rt. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, responsible if there is any crisis in the university system.
“Not a single aspect of the 38 agreed items has been fully discharged. It is so unfortunate that we have a deceitful government that is not concerned about the welfare of the Nigerian students and wants to turn university lecturers into slaves. Despite various meetings and hearings we’ve had with the Federal Government, they choose to be adamant. Therefore, a strike is inevitable.”
Also speaking to the media, Ademola Aremu, a former chairman of ASUU UI, said that the association had met the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and some traditional rulers who pleaded that they tarry a bit, hoping that their demands would be met, but the narratives have not changed.
“The rot and decay that has infested public universities cannot keep lingering on empty promises, and that is why we are telling the government to do the needful now; if not, we won’t have a choice even though it will be a painful strike.”
