ASUU Strike blame game: Ngige says not responsible, fingers those he deemed responsible for the nine months strike

The Nigerian government blamed the Academic Workers Union of Universities, ASUU, on Thursday for the protracted university strike.

The statement was made by Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Jobs, though faulting allegations by the ASUU chapter of the University of Jos that he was responsible for the latest industrial action.Ngige reported that ASUU failed to reciprocate the offer offered by the federal government.The Minister insisted in a statement from his Media Office that the government had fulfilled the terms of the ASUU.He said It is rather ASUU that by refusing to teach, conduct research or engage in other academic values for which they are paid, has bluntly refused to reciprocate the Federal Government offers that should be held accountable.”

“Strangely, ASUU claims ‘patriotism’ as the basis for this prolonged industrial action, forcing every patriot to raise concern over this weird definition of patriotism by ASUU officials.

“Living by its words, the Federal Government has fulfilled all the demands over which ASUU went on strike on March 9, 2020.

“It is therefore preposterous for the University of Jos chapter of ASUU under Dr. Maigoro to refer to these concrete steps taken by the Federal Government as a “promissory note” with which Nigerians shouldn’t expect ASUU to call off the strike.”

Due to the federal government’s perceived failure to implement the 2009 agreement signed, ASUU has been on strike for about nine months. The federal government has also recently agreed to pay the union all unpaid allowances due.Ngige disclosed that for the revitalisation of colleges and the payment of Received Instructional Allowances, the government will release N75 billion.