The Socialist Workers & Youth League has bashed the Federal Government (FG) over the failure to prioritize the funding of education and causing the strike action of the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) to linger on.

It should be noted that ASUU embarked on its nationwide strike action since February 14, 2022, making the strike up to 6 months (190 days), today.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by Frances Akinjole and Kevinci Ayemhenre, the organisation’s National Chairperson and Secretary, stated that the reason for the prolonged strike was “the FG’s disregard for public education in Nigeria and contempt for collective agreements.”

The statement confirmed that the ASUU strike action has now lasted for more than 180 days and stated that the Federal Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards public education in Nigeria is the main reason for this.

The statement reiterated further that the concerns raised by ASUU are issues relating to the revitalisation of tertiary institutions. It also stated that the lecturers have also stood their ground against the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System, which contributes to illegal deductions from their pay.

The statement however noted that the Federal Government has resorted to blackmail instead of addressing the issues raised and implementing the long-standing agreement.

“They have tried to reduce the complaint of lecturers to salaries, throwing the bone of a miserly increment unilaterally arrived at, to bolster government’s blackmail.

“As if that were not enough, government and its cheerleaders are invoking a “no work, no pay” threat, which government lacks the political or moral right to raise.”

The organization further urged the public, especially young people not to be deceived by the government’s devious machinations, saying the problem is more of the priorities of Nigeria’s ruling class rather than the lack of resources to fund quality public tertiary education.

“It is imperative to note that a society that does not place a premium on education is bound to be faced with the ills and hassles of illiteracy and by extension insecurity, banditry, terrorism and all other vices,” it said.

The organisation further called on the government to consent to the demands of ASUU forthwith.

“We also urge continued popular support for ASUU which has consistently been at the fore of the struggle for education as a right and not a privilege and the fight to win a better society.

The organization advised that the people rally around ASUU at this time and call upon the FG to take education as a pillar for societal development which is a fundamental right.

The Socialist Workers & Youth League thus reiterates its solidarity with ASUU in fighting for the common good of all,” the statement concluded.

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