The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University branch (ASUU-BSU), has launched an indefinite strike.
According to Naija News, the union started the industrial action to address long-standing concerns for improved working conditions.
During an emergency congress on February 1, 2024, in the Arts Theatre Complex, the decision was shared with the branch members.
The action was taken because, in spite of prior agreements, the Benue State University (BSU) administration did not comply with the union’s demands.
After receiving assurances from the state government and the university administration that the union’s demands would be addressed, the union decided to put off a similar strike on June 26, 2023.
With consent from the national organisation, the union announced the beginning of a “total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike” in a statement issued jointly by the Branch Chairman, Comrade Kwaghfan Tarnongo, and the Secretary, Terrumun Gajir.
The statement went on to say that the national organisation Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had granted permission to continue the suspended strike.
The union highlighted how the BSU Administration has declined to address the welfare concerns of its members in spite of prior agreements.
It emphasised a tripartite agreement reached by the Benue State government, BSU Administration, and Governing Council in January 2023. Through increased funding, this agreement aimed to resolve issues about yearly increment and promotion.
By giving the institution more revenue, the union recognised the state government’s promise to uphold its end of the bargain.
The statement stated, in part, that the Benue State Government was commended for fulfilling its end of the bargain and for continuing to provide the institution with extra funding for the purpose of executing annual raises and promotions as well as for paying off any accrued arrears.
Unfortunately, the BSU administration cannot be claimed to be in the same boat. In the interim, the university has dutifully accepted increased funding from the government but has declined to provide personnel with their rightful compensation.
“The Branch’s May 2023 strike was caused by the BSU Administration’s violation of the January 2023 agreement.”
