The Kaduna State Government has described the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, as an act of sabotage.
Lecturers of Kaduna State University embarked on the strike on Tuesday over unresolved demands with the government.
In a statement, Kaduna State Commissioner for Education Muhammad Sani-Bello noted that the dispute between ASUU and the government predated Governor Uba Sani’s administration. He stated that the current administration had already taken steps to address these and other outstanding demands related to Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions.
The statement criticised ASUU for resorting to industrial action instead of allowing the resolution process to run its course, arguing that this show of strength would not only disrupt the academic calendar but also undermine progress made so far.
“Specifically, the association’s disagreement with the Kaduna State Government concerns the non-payment of five months’ salaries from May to September 2022 and Earned Academic Allowances from 2015 to 2020, among other claims.
“These claims predate the present administration, but Governor Uba Sani, in his usual empathy, has taken steps to address them and other lingering demands concerning Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions in general,” the statement read.
The commissioner added that despite the governor’s willingness to meet some of ASUU’s demands and his promise to hold discussions with the union upon his return from an official trip, the union had remained adamant.
