NLC urges private varsities to join ASUU
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has called on private universities across the country to align with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the ongoing struggle for improved conditions in Nigeria’s education sector.
Ajaero made the call during The Toyin Falola Interview Series held on Sunday, themed “A Conversation with the President of ASUU, Professor Christopher Piwuna.”
The forum, which brought together scholars and members of the academic community, examined challenges confronting the nation’s tertiary institutions, including recurring ASUU strikes, government neglect, and the reported harassment of union members.
Read also:ASUU calls off two-week warning strike following “useful engagements” with FG
Speaking at the event, Ajaero urged ASUU to explore unionising lecturers in private universities, noting that such collaboration would amplify the collective voice of Nigerian academics and strengthen the push for reform.
“The incessant harassment of ASUU and its members must stop,” he said. “It is shocking that the government has repeatedly failed to honour agreements it willingly signed with ASUU since 2009.”
He further alleged that the establishment of ASUU and the subsequent rise of private universities were, in part, designed to weaken the NLC and fragment the academic labour movement.
Ajaero therefore called for greater unity among university-based unions to harmonise their demands and present a united front to the government.
In his remarks, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, stressed that genuine autonomy and academic excellence could only be achieved when university staff are adequately equipped and supported. He dismissed claims that ASUU members are self-serving, asserting that they have continued to make sacrifices despite ongoing intimidation by authorities.
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