We’ll not allow ruling class to turn public universities into graveyards – ASUU-NDU

Etim Ekpimah

The Academy Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University Chapter, has vowed that it would not allow the ruling class to turn public universities into graveyards.

The union in a press statement signed by its chairman, Prof. Tanbara Kingdom and the Secretary, Dr Ebi R. Baraka, and made available to journalists on Saturday, 10 September 2022, appealed to parents and students to understand the cause of the union is fighting for.

According to ASUU, driven by its foresight and deep understanding of the systematically crafted policy of the ruling class to destroy public universities, the union is more determined this time than ever to continue with the strike action.

“Driven by our foresight and deep understanding of the systematically crafted policy of the ruling class to destroy public universities, aimed at foreclosing children of the masses from accessing university education, we are more determined now than ever to continue with this action. As a union, we have resolved that we will not allow the ruling class to take public universities to the graveyard as they did to public primary and post-primary schools through systematic neglect.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our union did not close down the university, because such power is not conferred on us. We merely withdrew from teaching, (which is the least requirement for our career progression) to concentrate on research and community service.

“We call on all parents whose children are suffering this collective captivity and our dear students to understand that without such a sacrifice, we will see the death of public universities in no time.

“They should remember that there are others still in the primary and secondary schools hoping to gain a university education. This dream can only be materialised if the public universities continue to exist,” the statement added.

ASUU, however, urged the students, parents, and members of the public to join them in the noble cause as they are the ASSU-NDU is not on a sympathy strike.

Meanwhile, the union said that in compliance with the directive to the Governing Council by the Governor of Bayelsa State and Visitor to the Niger Delta University, directing the NDU chapter of ASUU to withdraw from the ongoing national strike action and resume academic activities, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel G. Edoumiekumo led the management team of the university to a meeting with the executive members of ASUU-NDU chapter on Friday, 2 September 2022.

The statement read: “While ASUU-NDU appreciates the concern of the Visitor to the university for expressing his understanding of the pains inflicted on students, parents and our members by a failed government, contrary to its promises prior to taking the reins of power, sadly the congress of ASUU-NDU cannot accede to the request to pull out of the strike.

“At the meeting, we conveyed to the university administration, the resolution of congress to continue with the industrial action to its logical conclusion.

This is based on our understanding of the fact that this is a common fight for the soul of the public university system.

“We make bold to state that NDU, though a state university, has progressed thus far, courtesy of ASUU struggles, ranging from TETFund to NEEDs intervention, etc.”