The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), although composed of intellectuals, from the lowest to the highest, remains a trade union. Naturally, it employs the crude and rough tactics associated with trade unions elsewhere in the world. Beyond this universal attribute, ASUU has a unique orientation. Rather than see a strike as an instrument for demanding better remuneration, improved conditions of service and enhanced welfare, ASUU’s perception of a strike is that it is a weapon for crippling the system.
When, in July the leadership of ASUU announced to Nigerians that its members were embarking on a strike, the reason given was the non-implementation of two major items contained in the 2009 Agreement between the Federal Government and the Union. The items were: funding for the revitalization of Public Universities through the implementation of the Needs Assessment Report on Public Universities; and payment of Earned Allowances.
Over 5 months since then, ASUU and the Federal Government have been fighting what may now be referred to as a battle of supremacy. On the side of ASUU, the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has been assisting in the negotiation. The Federal Government’s team has deployed the best and the highest on ground, the Ministers of Finance, Education and Labour, Secretary to the Government of the Federal (SGF), the Vice-President and then the President himself.
It is unusual for the President of a country to be directly involved in negotiations with trade unions. But, perhaps, because Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was, himself, an ASUU member, he joined in the negotiations. So, on 4th November, 2013, the President personally led a team of Government officials in a marathon meeting that lasted for over 13 hours. At the end of that meeting, Government and ASUU agreed on certain items, which included funding for the revitalization of the universities and payment of earned allowances.
In particular, it was agreed that in funding the revitalization of the public universities, a six-year instalment payment was to be done: N200 billion for 2013 and N220 billion for each of the remaining 5 years till 2018. For this purpose, a dedicated revitalization account was to be opened at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). For the Earned Allowances, N30 billion had already been made available with a pledge by Government to make additional funds available, subject to a report by an Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC).
Part of the Agreement, which was conveyed to ASUU in a Memorandum, dated 6th November, 2013, was that ASUU would consult with its members and call off its four-month old strike which had crippled the nation’s university system. It was also agreed that this could be done within a period of 7 days. The information was that ASUU consulted its various chapters and the result was 62%:38% in favour of the strike being called off. An unfortunate event, however, occurred during the period. ASUU lost one of its key negotiators, Professor Festus Iyayi, in an auto accident on his way to Kano for a NEC meeting.It was, however, hoped that after the mourning of Professor Iyayi, ASUU would hold its NEC, present the results from the chapters and call off the strike. That did not happen. Instead, the Union introduced four new conditions referred to as “certain uncertainties”.
They are: that the N200 billion agreed upon as 2013 Revitalization Fund for public universities shall be deposited with the CBN and disbursed to the benefitting universities within two weeks; that the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement in 2014 be included in the final document as agreed at the discussion with Your Excellency; that a Non-victimization clause, which is normally captured in all interactions of this nature, be included in the final document; and that a new Memorandum of Understanding shall be validly endorsed; signed by a representative of Government, preferably the Attorney-General of the Federation, and a representative of ASUU, with the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as a witness.
ASUU insisted that until the Federal Government complied with the above, the strike action would continue. Although some of these issues were discussed at the meeting with the President, ASUU’s insistence, as listed, was either an after-thought or a ploy to ensure that the crisis was never resolved. Curiously, when the President of ASUU was confronted that, as a matter of fact, a dedicated account had already been open at the CBN, his response was that ASUU had not been informed. The issue of non-victimisation clause, demanded by ASUU, is an international requirement, which is usually taken for granted.
The last item, insisting that a Memorandum of understanding should be signed by a representative of Government, preferably the Attorney-General, is, to say the least, cheeky and disrespectful. Why does ASUU think that it can dictate to Government who is to sign a document on its behalf?
In appraising the four-month old ASUU strike, we are inclined to agree with a recent advert in one of the dailies, linking the ASUU leadership with certain opposition elements who had threatened in 2011 to make Nigeria ungovernable, should Jonathan emerge as President. Among them were General Muhammadu Bahari, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Nasir El-Rufai, etc., who were recently joined by Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso. Dr. Nasir Fagge, the ASUU President is said to be deeply encircled by these men who hate President Jonathan with a passion.
There is, therefore, enough to suggest that the ASUU strike is politically motivated. If there is no superior reason or argument to contradict this proposition, then it is patently sad that some elements in the leadership of the ASUU would deploy the Union for promotion of sectional or regional political interest at the expense of political stability of the nation which is sine qua non for peace and unity now and in the future.
The ASUU should demonstrate its love of country and commitment to her stability by being reasonable: call off its strike and allow the Federal Government to apply itself to faithful implementation of the agreements reached.
Written By Abimbola Jones and Adamu Mohammed
This Article was first published in The Will Nigeria