The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has put up a notice that it would embark on another nationwide strike if the Federal Government is unable to address unresolved problems in Nigeria’s university system.

The union’s National Executive Council (NEC), after a meeting at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, decided to wait for the outcome of the government’s 28 August meeting before making another step.

As a signal of its frustration, ASUU announced plans to hold rallies across campuses next week.

Speaking at a press briefing at the University of Jos, ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, said the union had been “pushed to the wall” after more than two years of patience.

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Piwuna rejected the government’s proposed loan scheme for lecturers, describing it as a “poison chalice.” He accused the administration of deliberate delay tactics in renegotiating the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, addressing outstanding salary arrears, and implementing measures to revitalise universities.

“Trust has been destroyed by the government. It is, therefore, up to them to regain it to avert any strike,” he said.

ASUU also faulted the uncontrolled spread of universities in the country and blamed this on political patronage by successive governments.

Currently, Nigeria boasts of 339 universities, including 72 federal, 108 state, and 159 private universities, and it has been said that many lack the basic facilities and staff.

For now, all eyes are on the scheduled meeting later this month. Whether it brings progress or another cycle of strikes may determine how long students remain in classrooms.

Anita Chinedu