The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reacted to Tuesday’s registration of two university unions by the Federal Government.
To the body, the registration of the Congress of Nigeria University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), as announced by Labour Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, is an effort in futility.
It also declared the registration as
inconsequential.
ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said: “That does not, in any way, affect us. We are a disciplined and focused union and we know what we are doing and what we are after. Let them register as many unions as they like. That is inconsequential as far as we are concerned. We are not also in any way threatened. The sky is big enough for birds to fly.
“We know our members, we know our strength and we also know what our vision and mission are. Our members are not saboteurs or bootlickers. Our struggle is for a better educational system in the country. If the system is good, all of us will benefit and it is not only ASUU members’ children and wards that are going to benefit from improved funding and the provision of better facilities in our institutions,” he said.
Osodeke, who also reacted to the allegation by the government that ASUU members are complicit in corrupt practices in the university system, described such as unfounded.
“As a union, we have been championing transparency and accountability in the university system. That is why we are calling for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, UTAS, as the payment platform in the university system. Those indicted for misappropriating over N100 billion through their IPPIS, are they our members?
“Moreover, one of our demands is that Visitation Panels be set up to probe the activities and the finances of universities in the country. If we don’t want corruption stamped out, we would not be asking for that”.
