By Jimoh Abibat

Q: My name is Jimoh Abibat, a member of the Movement for a Socialist Alternative (MSA). Can we get to know you, sir?

A: My name is Oyediwura Adedayo, the NASU – OAU Chairman

Q: Can we get to know the background of the ongoing strike, its time of commencement and the demands of the union?

A: In December 2021, a meeting was held with the Federal government to table the demands of the union. It was said that the demands will be looked into and sorted out before February. The demands placed before the FG was:

I. Renegotiation of 2009 agreement: A lot of people are unaware of what this agreement entails. Back in 2009 when the agreement was signed, it was agreed that the agreement would be subjected to renegotiation every 5 years in order to meet up with the economic reality of the present time. There ought to be at least 3 renegotiations after the 2009 agreement which did not happen. There are two main components in the agreement which are Earned allowances and the Condition of services. Earned allowances are part of salaries but due to the government’s inability to pay on time, it was agreed that the FG should pay as they can afford over time. Earned allowances contain different allowances which include; Hazard allowance, shift duty allowance, overtime allowances, industrial/ICT allowances and many more. In 2013, 12 billion nairas were paid mainly to NASU. 20 billion nairas was disbursed in 2020 and 20 billion naira also in 2021 to all universities unions, sharing in a percentage of 75/25 (Academic union /Non-academic union) even though the Non-Academic unions have more members than the academic union. The joint money disbursed caused disagreements within the unions regarding sharing formula which was the aim of the government. The use of the ‘divide and rule tactic.

Also, the commencement of the union strike on March 17 was crucial as it gives the union the opportunity to state their demands alongside ASUU. This is viewed as a way to create ‘stability’ in the university calendar and reduce the amount of strikes unions go on strike.

II. Security of the University environment: One of the demands of the union is adequate security of the lives and properties of union members. This can be done by first securing and building perimeter fencing of the university. Recently, cases of university staff being kidnapped are becoming rampant in the country. In 2019, the NEEDS assessment committee raised the need for the perimeter fencing of the university and a sum of N180 million was released for this purpose. However, nothing has been done so far.
 
III. Career/salary structure: This is the third demand of the union. There has been a disparity in the salary structure in universities. This sees members in OAU collecting less than their counterparts in other federal universities. This has led to the movement of members to state universities in search of better pay.

IV. Usurpation of non-academic career positions by vice-chancellors: There have been various cases of academic staff taking jobs of non-academic staff. An example is a case of a professor being appointed as the Director of OAU water/bakery. Lecturers that are employed to impart knowledge and focus on their area of research are doing otherwise. This is fast becoming a norm as even the position of Registrar of the university which is reserved for non-academic members is under threat. This unwelcome development is reinforced by the vice-chancellors as they give out official letters to the appointment of these lecturers. It is saddening that the university that ought to be a prototype of how society is run is giving a bad template.

The protest/strike action commenced on the 17th of March, 2022 which last for two weeks, it was extended for another two weeks due to the no response received from the FG so far. The strike has been extended by four weeks which starts on the 23rd of April, 2022.

Q: What has been the response of the Federal Government so far?

A: So far, there is no response from the FG except the recent letter sent to the Joint Action Committee – NASU and SSANU on the 17th of April demanding the committee to state their reasons behind the strike and demands. This is coming from a government that was given at least 2 months’ notice before the commencement of the strike action. It is a pain because this is just a means to buy time and any reason for doing so won’t work. If FG fails to respond after the recent extension, we will use all means within our power to make sure they respond. Ways like blockage of school entrances and physical demonstration on the streets both at the branch level and the national level.

It is laughable that 12 private universities were approved recently during the ongoing strike, it clearly shows where the interest of the government lies. Also, it is necessary to make a law that forces politicians and top-level workers’ wards to attend government-owned institutions as they are part of the policymakers. This will aid them to make decisions for the betterment of the country. Furthermore, the assessment of TETFUND by private universities must be stopped. As the fund is a public fund which must solely be used for public-owned institutions and not for already rich individuals. Also, we call on the Students’ Unions across the country to join the struggle for adequate funding for the education sector and good welfare conditions for staff and students.

Q: What are the plans for the union/May Day Celebration?

A: We are currently on a media tour at the branch level and hope to get more media awareness in media houses with a wider audience and coverage. Currently, at the national level of the union, there are constant media tours and awareness to keep people abreast of the current situation. In the branch, there is a planned press conference by NASU and SSANU very soon. Also, we planned to use the MAYDAY to give the situation more awareness by intervening at the State level in Osogbo. Printed materials will be used to achieve this.

Q: Can we get a solidarity message to workers?

A: I appeal to workers across all sectors to be strong and one. We have to be committed and united. Our strength lies in our unity; this is needed to tackle the common enemy. As we mark May Day, we should continue to be devoted and committed to our jobs. Also, I am begging the government to create more job opportunities for the teeming youths to be fully engaged. It is sad that with the enormous resources in the country we are still battling an unemployment crisis, which put Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest unemployed youths in the world.