Kaduna varsity lecturers ready for talks with govt to avert strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Kaduna State University (KASU) has expressed its readiness for immediate negotiations with the Kaduna State Government to avert a potential strike. The union's chairman, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi, stated that they are prepared to meet with government representatives at any time to find lasting solutions to the university's problems.

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Even if government calls us now, we are ready to move. Anything that will bring peace and stability to the system is what we want. Even if it is 3am, wherever we are, we are ready to go and engage and find solutions to the problems.

ASUU-KASU recently issued a two-week ultimatum, a directive from its national leadership, with its primary demand being the implementation and domestication of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. This agreement is intended to address critical issues concerning staff welfare and service conditions within Nigerian universities. Abdullahi emphasized that implementing this agreement would significantly improve the welfare of their members and resolve many of the challenges facing KASU.

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Our major concern is the implementation of the 2025 agreement. If the agreement is implemented, it will go a long way in addressing the welfare of our members and some of the challenges facing the university.

Abdullahi noted that out of ten previous issues raised by the union, three have been addressed by the authorities, for which they expressed appreciation. However, seven issues remain outstanding, and the union has been pursuing them through dialogue for nearly two years. The union stressed its desire to avoid industrial action, recognizing the negative impact a strike would have on lecturers, students, and the institution as a whole. They are optimistic that constructive dialogue will lead to concrete solutions before the ultimatum concludes.

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We have 10 issues that we raised before. Three have been addressed and we appreciate the government for that. But seven are still outstanding and we have been engaging for almost two years.