The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned the Minister for Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, not to embark on cheap blackmail over the ongoing strike embarked upon by the union.
The University of Ibadan (UI) ASUU Chapter Chairman, Dr. Deji Omole, who condemned the tactic employed by the Federal Government over the demands of the union, said it was deceitful for the minister to insinuate that the N23 billion earned allowances, which the Federal Government promised to pay soon, were only for lecturers.
He stated that the said earned allowances were for both deserving academic and non-academic members of staff, stressing that it was too early for Ngige to embark on cheap blackmail.
Omole said that the union was more interested in enduring legacies, which would reposition public education in the country through adequate funding of public education, which the present government had been silent about.
Also, President of the union, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, has asked his members to disregard the comment by the minister that the strike is illegal.
“Our national struggle to revitalise the Nigerian university system is comprehensive and total. Remain resolute and steadfast as victory is certain.”