Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) encounters prolonged uncertainty as a recent court ruling sides with the federal government, denying the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.
The National Industrial Court dismissed ASUU’s case against the Minister of Labour and Employment and the Accountant General of the Federation, citing the union’s claims as an abuse of court process.
ASUU’s eight-month strike in 2022, focusing on university revitalization and salary reviews, led to the withholding of salaries.
Despite the court’s interlocutory injunction against the strike, ASUU resumed work in November 2022 to receive only half salaries for 18 working days, aligning with the “No Work, No Pay” policy.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a partial waiver of the policy allowed ASUU members to access four months of withheld salary accruals.
However, the waiver came with conditions, including a requirement for a Document of Understanding, signaling the last waiver for ASUU.
ASUU filed a lawsuit challenging the discriminatory treatment of its members, but the court ruled it as an abuse of process, deeming it frivolous and vexatious. The court mandated ASUU to pay N500,000 within 30 days.
ASUU’s leaders expressed discontent with the conditions tied to the salary waiver, stating that signing the agreement would equate to accepting ‘slavery.’
The union asserts it has not received official communication from the government regarding the waiver or the conditions.
Emphasizing that they fulfilled their responsibilities, ASUU members argue that denying them salaries for work done is unjust.
The union warned of increased challenges if the courts lose credibility as a reliable avenue for justice. ASUU calls for justice and fair mindedness as education plays a vital role in national development.