The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s directive enforcing the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking lecturers, declaring that the union will not bow to intimidation or threats.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, stated this on Monday during a televised interview, affirming that the union remains united and resolute in its struggle despite government attempts to divide the academic community through selective payment and threats.
“We don’t respond to threats, and nobody can threaten us,” Piwuna said.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between ASUU and the Federal Government following the latter’s order to vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy on all lecturers participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
ASUU began its warning strike on Monday to press for the implementation of previous agreements with the government, improved welfare packages, and revitalisation funding for public universities.
Piwuna accused the government of deliberately reaching out to other academic associations such as the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) in a bid to create division among university staff.
“He is threatening us, writing to NAMDA and CONUA, telling them they can get their salaries. He wants to divide us, but we are united in this matter,” he said.
According to him, ASUU enjoys the solidarity of other major university and tertiary institution unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and academic staff in polytechnics and colleges of education.
“CONUA is with us, NAMDA is with us, SSANU is with us, NASU is with us. The polytechnics and colleges of education are also with us,” Piwuna added.
He also advised the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to prioritise resolving the dispute rather than issuing ultimatums.
Despite the government’s hard stance, Piwuna hinted that the union remains open to dialogue, revealing that the Minister of State for Labour had reached out earlier in the day to initiate talks.
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