The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja branch, has commenced an indefinite strike action to protest perceived irregularities in the ongoing process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor (VC) for the institution.
ASUU Accuses University Administration of Bypassing Governing Council
The union alleges that the outgoing VC, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah, and the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, sidestepped the university’s governing council by advertising the VC position in a national daily on March 15, 2024.
ASUU chairman, Sylvanus Ugoh, declared the advert “illegal” and a violation of the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act 1993 (as amended 2003 and 2012). The Act, according to Ugoh, vests the authority to advertise the VC vacancy solely in the governing council.
Indefinite Strike Disrupts Academic Activities
The indefinite strike action has thrown academic activities at the University of Abuja into disarray, potentially causing delays in students’ academic progress.
Previous ASUU Actions on University Governance
This is not the first time the UniAbuja ASUU branch has taken action regarding university governance. News reports show the union has previously advocated for the federal government to reconstitute the governing council of another university and endorsed the government’s policy on a minimum admission age of 18 for universities.
Developing Story
This is a developing story, and further details regarding the strike action and the university administration’s response are expected to emerge.
