ASUU National President, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, in one on one talks with our correspondent, described the Federal Government’s action as an illicit act, adding that newly engaged staff were threatened with termination of appointment while the older members were told that their pension could not be guaranteed.
He said, “The strike is still on, we are not accepting the IPPIS, and our rejection still stands. It is not suitable for the university system. We are working on an alternative which will be disclosed soon. We have told the government that we are ready to discuss with them but they need time to sort themselves.”
Ogunyemi also said despite the presidential directive stating that their salaries should be paid, many of their members were still not paid.
“Before the IPPIS, the issues we were tracking have all remained the same so this strike will continue until when the government is sincere to come to the negotiation table with an open mind,” the ASUU President said.
Ogunyemi also condemned the reduction in the education budget due to the coronavirus pandemic, stating that an emergency should be declared on the sector.
“It is a disaster because no rational person can justify the reduction of the education budget. It is the most unreasonable thing any government can do. It is embarrassing at a time we are addressing a global emergency.
“Due to the pandemic, the government has taken steps to tackle health emergency so there is the need to also assess the situation of education. The government of the day in 2017, said the time was right to declare a state of emergency on education and this declaration is now more imperative in the face of COVID-19 especially in the higher education system,” he said.
