The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has announced July 26 and 27 as days for national protests to compel the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to resolve lingering issues between them and allow public university students in the country to return to school.
Recall that ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2022, after the Federal Government failed to implement agreements with it.
ASUU and other unions are demanding funding, revitalisation of universities, earned allowances, implementation of the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) scheme, as well as promotion arrears.
Meanwhile, the NLC had given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve the lingering issues. The ultimatum, however, elapsed without tangible moves to end the strike.
Following the expiration of the ultimatum, the NLC, in a statement issued by its President Ayuba Wabba said the solidarity protest would take place in all the 36 states and the FCT.
Part of the statement read, “In line with the decision of the National Executive Council, NEC meeting of the Nigerian Labour Congress held on 30th of June 2022, we have scheduled the National Days of Protest to get our children back to school and support our unions in Nigerians public universities fighting for quality education.
“Date, Tuesday 26th July 2022 and Wednesday 27th July 2022
“Venue: At the state capitals of the Federation and Abuja the Federal Capital Territory. Take off points: NLC state secretariats and the Labour House Abuja”