News Investigators/ Ahmed Adamu, Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, has assured members of ASUU, ABU Branch, of his administration’s continuous support as they press the Federal Government to address lingering challenges in the university system.
The vice-chancellor made the remarks while receiving the union members during a peaceful protest on campus in Zaria on Tuesday.
Prof. Ahmed said the university’s management would not only listen to the concerns of ASUU but also convey them to the Governing Council and the Federal Government.
“Whatever position you want us to communicate to the higher authorities, we will continue to listen to you and take it beyond the council of this university, but also to the federal government,” he said.
The vice-chancellor commended the union for staging the protest peacefully, describing it as part of ASUU’s ongoing efforts to draw government’s attention to the plight of universities in the country.
“We will continue to appreciate the union for its past struggles which have brought considerable relief to the university system.
“That struggle must continue until the desired results are achieved; As a university, we will provide all necessary support to ensure the welfare of all union members is sustained and maintained,” Adamu added.
Speaking shortly after the protest Haruna Jibril, Branch Chairman of the Academic Staff (ASUU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), criticised the Federal Government for allegedly neglecting the education sector and treating the plight of lecturers with seeming ‘indifference.’
Prof. Jibril faulted government’s failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement, despite repeated promises.
He alleged that the authorities have continued to employ delay tactics even after receiving the report on the renegotiated agreement from its committee.
The chairman stressed that the union had exercised patience and avoided strike action for more than two years in the hope that the government would resolve the crisis amicably.
On the proposed loan scheme for lecturers, Jibril said the union had rejected the offer, but would not stop individual members from accessing it if they so wish.
He cautioned, “If the government fails to take urgent and serious action on the lingering challenges, the union would be left with no option but to shut down universities.”
NAN
