The Kaduna State Government is not happy, folks! They’re calling the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Kaduna State University (KASU) straight-up sabotage. Buckle up, because this is getting heated!
Quick Breakdown: What’s Going On?
- The Beef: Unpaid salaries from May to September 2022 and Earned Academic Allowances from 2015 to 2020.
- Gov’s Response: Gov. Uba Sani promised to address the issues, but ASUU isn’t backing down.
- Govt’s Accusation: ASUU has a ‘hidden agenda’ to undermine progress in education.
- What’s Next?: ‘No work, no pay’ policy incoming!
Govt’s Take: ASUU Was Quiet for Years!
According to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Bello, KASU’s ASUU branch was chilling for 15 years (2009-2024). Now that they’ve found their voice, the government thinks they’re deliberately trying to mess things up. Ouch!
The Money Matters: Unpaid Dues
The main issue? Money! ASUU is fighting for unpaid salaries from way back and those Earned Academic Allowances. The government admits these debts exist but claims they predate the current administration. Governor Uba Sani, supposedly a man of empathy, is trying to sort it all out.
Is ASUU Trying to Derail Progress?
The government believes ASUU is flexing its muscles at the wrong time. They think the strike will disrupt the academic calendar and undo all the recent improvements at KASU. Prof. Bello even suggests that some folks are using the union as a cover to sabotage the government’s efforts in education.
Promises, Promises: What the Governor Said
Apparently, the governor met with university management and union leaders in December 2024. They talked for over three hours, reached some agreements, but ASUU is still not satisfied. The governor promised to pay the outstanding salaries in installments, given the state’s financial situation.
Beyond Salaries: Funding Concerns
ASUU also raised concerns about funding for daily operations. The governor pledged to introduce a sharing formula and consider removing tertiary institutions from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). That’s a big deal!
‘No Work, No Pay’: Govt Stands Firm
Despite the governor’s efforts, ASUU is refusing to budge. So, the Kaduna State Government is pulling out the big guns: ‘no work, no pay.’ They’re not messing around!
The Bigger Picture: Education in Nigeria
This whole situation highlights the ongoing struggles in Nigeria’s education sector. Issues like funding, staff welfare, and government policies often lead to strikes and disruptions. It’s a tough cycle that needs some serious solutions.
For context, ASUU has been known to go on strike on a national level, fighting for better funding of universities and improved conditions of service for lecturers nationwide. These strikes sometimes last for months, disrupting the academic calendar of students across the country. According to The Punch, ASUU extended their strike action for indefinite time in 2022.
What Does This Mean for Students?
Unfortunately, students are caught in the middle of this battle. Their academic progress is at risk, and the future seems uncertain. Let’s hope both sides can find a resolution soon!
About The Author
