The TUC Urges the Federal Government to End the ASUU Strike
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has again called on the Federal Government to end the ongoing ASUU strike.
The union said the long break in academic activities poses a real danger to the country. It warned that the situation
could worsen insecurity and push more young people into crime.
TUC Wants Quick and Honest Talks With ASUU
In a statement signed by the President General, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, the TUC expressed disappointment that the
government has not fully carried out the agreement it reached with ASUU in 2009. He noted that another MOU was signed
in 2013, yet many issues remain unsolved.
Kaigama said the TUC studied ASUU’s demands and found them reasonable. The lecturers are asking for the improvement of
public universities, proper registration of the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company, and the resolution of
pending pension matters. According to him, these issues affect the entire education system and not only the lecturers.
Poor Funding Is Damaging Nigeria’s Education System
The TUC said Nigeria has never met the UNESCO recommendation of spending 26% of the budget on education. For many years,
the sector has suffered from low funding. Kaigama noted that most people in government attended public schools and even
enjoyed scholarships, yet they now allow the education system to collapse while their children study abroad.
Youths May Turn to Crime During the Strike
The TUC warned that the strike may push idle youths into crime. Kaigama said the country is already facing many security
problems. There are kidnappings, killings, and attacks in different regions. He also mentioned the sad cases of Nigerian
migrants who die while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
He explained that keeping students at home for too long increases frustration. When young people lose hope, they may
easily fall into crime or unsafe activities. Because of this, he urged the government to act fast.
The TUC said ending the ASUU strike is now a matter of national importance. Kaigama urged the Federal Government to start
a sincere discussion with the union and work toward restoring the nation’s public universities.
