ASUU to Tinubu: Implement 2009 Deal or Face Strike
The Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent what they are calling the “mother of all strikes” by implementing the revised 2009 Agreement.
Dr. Wale Ositoye, the chair of the TASUED branch of ASUU, made this statement on Wednesday while speaking to reporters, immediately following a peaceful demonstration at the university’s main gate in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode.
Ositoye, accompanied by other union executives and members, noted that the peaceful demonstration was organized to raise awareness and appeal to the president to take action to avoid a potential strike referred to as the “mother of all strikes,” should his administration fail to fulfill the commitment to implement the agreement made by the Federal Government with the union 16 years ago.
The ASUU branch chair expressed frustration that the federal government has continuously violated the 2009 agreement, pointing out that union members are still receiving salaries set in 2009, despite an agreement to review salaries every three years.
He further stated that the administration of President Tinubu has enacted policies such as the liberalization of dollars and removal of the petroleum subsidy, which he claims have imposed financial burdens on Nigerians, insisting the 2009 agreement must be enacted to alleviate the current economic challenges faced by university academic staff.
“We are urging the president to utilize his position to prevent the mother of all strikes that ASUU members are preparing to undertake. It’s not that we desire to strike; this peaceful demonstration aims to generate awareness and urge the president to avert the impending strike. The agreement made 16 years ago remains unfulfilled, and individuals are still receiving 2009 salaries. The recent wage adjustments of 25% and 35% do not even align with the present economic conditions.
“This current administration has introduced two economic measures—the liberalization of dollars and the elimination of the petroleum subsidy—that have created financial strain for individuals who earn legitimately from the public sector. We have reached out to the government, and discussions are ongoing with the Minister of Education, but they have yet to follow through on previous assurances and continue to make promises.
“They assert that they have managed to suppress the academic sector for the past two years and that we are unable to strike. While we are not content with the current situation, our concern lies with the nation and our youth, understanding that hardship affects everyone,” Ositoye remarked.
He continued by stating that ASUU will not permit the federal government to impose any wage awards on the union; rather, the organization intends to engage in collective bargaining to negotiate a salary that reflects the current economic landscape.
“We don’t want anyone to simply grant us a wage; we are neither beggars nor paupers. There is a concept known as collective bargaining. Once we come to an agreement based on our specific duties and commitments, we will be satisfied with it. Even if they propose to pay us 300%, we are not interested; we want to negotiate for what we truly desire,” emphasized the ASUU branch chairman.
He criticized the federal government for offering interest-free loans to the union instead of fulfilling salary increments, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), and other elements of the 2009 agreement, asserting that ASUU will turn down the FG’s loan.
“We are requesting salary increments, yet someone is suggesting they want to provide us a loan that will be interest-free for five years. Who is asking for a loan? To make things worse, they now claim that union leaders would act as guarantors. Are we the employers of those individuals? We are employees just like they are. Therefore, we completely reject the loan. What we seek is a review of the 2009 agreement.
“A lot of discussions have taken place regarding this matter, and the negotiations that could have resolved the issues were mishandled by the former Minister of Labor and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige. The report from the Yayale Ahmed-led committee that we are referring to is filled with setbacks. The FG has reached a point where it can implement this agreement if they are truly committed to doing so so that peace can be restored in Nigerian universities. The public should understand that ASUU is not the source of disruption in the universities, but rather the Nigerian government.
“One of the agreements pertains to Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). The N50 billion the FG allocated for EAA concluded in 2023. It had also been established that salaries should be reviewed every three years, yet after 15 years, the situation remains unchanged. The revival of university infrastructure was advocated for by ASUU. TETFund originates from our initiative,” Ositoye stated.
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