The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja has issued an important message regarding the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike and the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
In a recent circular, the university management directed all academic staff to return to their lectures. The circular aims to serve as a warning, emphasizing that failure to resume work despite numerous negotiations and appeals is unacceptable. The Vice-Chancellor stated, “It is morally bankrupt for people to expect to be paid salary for work they have not done.”
Since the release of this circular, the Vice-Chancellor has received numerous calls from various individuals asking for the withdrawal of the directive. Addressing the staff, he clarified that the issue is not about withdrawing the circular but about the impact on students. He questioned how delaying student graduations or extending the academic calendar would solve the issues raised by ASUU.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted several points discussed with ASUU, where the management has made concessions:
- Promotion: The 2023/2024 promotion process is on hold until the Governing Council is in place. Ongoing promotions will be completed as planned.
- Vice-Chancellor Position: The advertisement for the position was initiated by the Minister of Education, and no further processing will occur until the Governing Council is involved. Late applications will be noted but not turned away.
- Microfinance Bank: Management has approved one ASUU representative on the board of the UniAbuja Microfinance Bank and urged ASUU to send a representative urgently.
- Deanship Elections: All pending deanship elections will be conducted within 2-3 days of the strike being called off.
- Recruitment: The legality of the recruitment process has been discussed, and all recruitments will be submitted to the Governing Council for ratification.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that the Federal government is in the process of inaugurating a new Council, which will address these matters. He expressed hope that the strike would be called off in the interest of the students, allowing the implementation of agreed resolutions to continue.
He emphasized that the university management is not trying to make life difficult for academic staff but is committed to resolving the issues through dialogue and compromise. He expressed willingness to temporarily suspend the register if it encourages ASUU members to see reason and end the strike.
The Vice-Chancellor concluded by stating that the ongoing strike damages the university’s image and called for peace and dialogue to build and strengthen the community.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to schoolnews.info.
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