The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said the lingering strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is detrimental to students.
The former governor of Anambra State said it was unconscionable, worrisome and unacceptable that the federal government would allow such an industrial action to get to that extent.
Obi said this when he addressed some Nigerians living in Houston, USA.
He said, “Our position is that ASUU strike has lingered for far too long. It is unconscionable, worrisome and unacceptable that FGN would allow such an industrial action to become almost intractable to the detriment of our students.
“It’s time for FGN to engage in collaborative negotiations with ASUU, and in good faith. -PO”
Meanwhile, ASUU Chairman, Emmanuel Osodeke, has said lecturers deserve salaries despite not working for months due to their strike action.
He spoke on Channels Television, “You purposely delayed the negotiations. Government purposely ensured that our students stayed at home for six or eight months. But if they had come in to negotiate with us in February, the students would not stay at home. If they had come in March, they would not be at home. If they had come in April… but purposely, deliberately delayed the process. You will set up a panel, they will give you a report but delay for one year before they will release the result. Instead of addressing the issue, they are talking about no work, no pay.
“Now, let’s talk about no work, no pay. In my letter of appointment, the functions of a lecturer are teaching, research and community service. Those are the three trajectories of the functions of a lecturer. So, if you are on strike, the only thing you are not doing is teaching. When you go to universities, you will see our colleagues in offices, you will see them all over the place doing their research as part of their job, and doing community service.’’
