ASUU strike takes new dimension •As union says, ‘no more negotiation but implementation

MEMBERS of Nnamdi Azikiwe University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), came out in numbers with the university of Nsukka branch on Tuesday in a protest aimed at enlightening Nigerians on their reasons for the strike, saying, “we are no longer talking about negotiations but implementation.”
Addressing journalists in Aroma junction, Awka, after the protest, the chairman, Professor Ike Odimegwu, said that the essence of the strike is for the FederaL Government to implement the agreement entered into with ASUU since 2009 and not negotiation again.
He said that they want to conscientise Nigerians who are becoming a little bit uncomfortable with the ASUU strike, to enable them know the reasons in order to join them in calling on the Federal Government to be more committed on education to ensure that universities reclaim their glory.
Professor Odimegwu, said that after four years of the agreement, the Federal Government ,has not significantly implemented the agreement nor honour the terms of the agreement which are fundamental to the growth of education.
According to him, the funding of educational system in the universities has decayed and needs fundamental surgical operation, adding that if all what they reached in agreement and signed by the Federal Government is implemented, education in the universities will return to its former status.
He said that out of the eight points in the agreement, the Federal Government has implemented only one and ASUU, had written about 52 letters drawing the attention of the government on the agreement and even met the National Assembly Committee on Education, all to no avail.
Also contributing, the Nsukka zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr  Chidi Osuagwu, said that ASUU, is no longer talking about negotiation but implementation of agreement because we want our universities to compete with other universities in the world.
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