The Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), says the union will not call off the strike until all issues are addressed.
Last week, Nigerian Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) in the University, just like some other academics did, dissociated themselves from the strike action.
A section of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also took exception to the strike action.
NAMDA had said in a statement, “On behalf of the Nigerian Medical and Dental nd Academics (NAMDA), University of Abuja Branch, we write to inform vou that NAMDA held a virtual emergency congress meeting on Saturday, the 4th May, 2024.
“Our members have resolved not to be part of the ongoing strike declared by the University of Abuja ASUU members.
“As far as NAMDA members on this campus are concerned, normal academic activities will continue in the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja.”
But the ASUU branch Chairman, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja that the members were not working.
“Those against the strike may possibly be beneficiaries of what the union is fighting against.
“Any member found breaking the strike will be subjected to disciplinary procedure.”
According to him, 90 to 95 per cent of lecturers are on strike.
UniAbuja, ASUU branch had on May 2 declared an indefinite strike to draw attention of the school management to issues bordering the union.
One of the issues listed by the union was the University’s refusal to conduct elections for the office of the Deans of Faculties and Provost, College of Health Sciences.
The Union also accused the University of carrying out promotion of some members of staff without following due process.
Other reasons for the strike, according to the union, include: “Advertorial for the vacancy of the post of Vice Chancellor without following due process, among others.’’
The chairman said that ASUU as a body in the university had withdrew the services of their members in the university.
“ASUU do not lock university, what ASUU did was to withdraw the services our members render to the university.
”What we are saying is that our members are not working,” he said.
On the issue of some lecturers indicating interest to lecture, he said that even in a national strike some would still want to go against the action.
However, Dr Habib Yakoob, the Acting Director, Information and University Relations, said the management was not aware of any strike.
Mr Yakoob said that many lecturers have indicated interest to lecture, adding that students were also prepared to receive lectures.
A NAN correspondent, who was at the university’s permanent site reports that students were seen on campus to officially resume for their second semester academic activities.
NAN also reports that as at the time of the visit, no academic activities was seen going on in the lecture halls.
A Student, Adenike Owolabi, said students were just resuming for their second semester and hopefully lectures would commence soon.
Ms. Owolabi, who said the students were not ready for any strike, added that they have wasted so much time as a result of incessant strike.
She, therefore, called on the school management to resolve whatever the problem was to avoid the school being shut down.
● Additional report by NAN
