No Resolution in Sight: ASUU Declines FG’s Offer Amid Withheld Salaries Crisis

In a recent court ruling, ASUU lost its battle against the federal government regarding salaries withheld during the eight-month strike in 2022. The National Industrial Court dismissed ASUU’s case, granting an interlocutory injunction to restrain the union from further strikes.

The federal government, implementing the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy, paid only half salaries for 18 working days in October upon ASUU members’ return to work. The court upheld this rule, stating it was within the government’s right to withhold salaries during industrial action.

In response, ASUU filed a separate lawsuit, claiming discriminatory treatment. However, the court dismissed the case, deeming it an abuse of court process and ordered ASUU to pay N500,000 to the Attorney-General of the Federation.

President Bola Tinubu had previously approved a partial waiver of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ order, allowing ASUU members to receive four months of withheld salary. Yet, ASUU rejects the offer, deeming it unacceptable and akin to ‘slavery.’

ASUU UNN branch chairman, Comrade Nobert Oyibo Eze, stated that the government has not reached out regarding the backlog of eight months’ salaries. He criticized the government for prioritizing other expenses over education, highlighting the struggles of university workers.

As the situation unfolds, uncertainty looms over the fate of withheld salaries, and ASUU stands firm on its demands for fair treatment and adequate funding for the education sector.