Dr Samuel Alu, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), says ASUU members in the institution had complied fully to the nationwide strike by the union.
Alu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, on Tuesday.
It would be recalled that on Feb. 14th, the national body of ASUU gave notice of a one-month warning strike to the Federal Government to resolve contending issues.
Among the issues are agitations for Earned Academic Allowance, establishment of a Revitalisation Fund and replacement of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System with the University Transparency and Accountability System.
He said that since the institution’s chapter joined the strike on Feb.16th, compliance had been total, as all members had stopped academic work.
“I want to let you know that without mincing words, compliance in Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is total and comprehensive. Academic activities have been grounded, in line with the instructions of our national body,” he said.
The chairman expressed sympathy with students, who are mostly affected, noting that the union was forced to embark on the action after several calls to the government for negotiations were ignored.
“I am worried about the students and appeal that they continue to understand with us. ASUU is not about selfish interest. The issue of Revitalisation Fund does not come to the purse of any lecturer.
“It goes to the purse of the university meant to revitalise the system in terms of infrastructure. So, I appeal to them to understand with us,” he said.
Alu commended some students for supporting ASUU’s actions, via social media advocacy.
“I am happy with what I am hearing over the news and social media. Students are actually on the side of ASUU by giving the Federal Government an ultimatum to meet our demands.
“This fight is uncalled for and not necessary at all if the government is serious enough,” he said.
NAN reports that business operators have appealed for an end to the strike to allow normal activities to resume because commercial activities in the institution had also been grounded. (NAN)
