ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State Chapter, has vowed that it will not allow the ruling class to turn public universities into graveyards.
The stance is contained in a statement on Saturday by ASUU-NDU Chairman, Prof. Tanbara Kingdom, and the Secretary, Dr Ebi Baraka.
The union appealed to parents and students to understand the cause they are fighting for.
The statement said that ASUU, driven by its foresight and deep understanding of the systematically crafted policy of the ruling class to destroy public universities, the union had become more determined now than ever to continue with the industrial action.
The statement said: “Driven by our foresight and deep understanding of the systematically crafted policy of the ruling class to destroy public universities, aimed at foreclosing children of the masses from accessing university education, we are more determined now than ever to continue with this action.
“As a union, we have resolved that we will not allow the ruling class to take public universities to the graveyards as they did to public primary and post-primary schools through systematic neglect.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our union did not close down the university, because such power is not conferred on us. We merely withdrew from teaching (which is the least requirements for our career progression) to concentrate on research and community service.
“We call on all parents whose children are suffering this collective captivity and our dear students to understand that without such a sacrifice, we will see the death of public universities in no time.
“They should remember that there are others still in the primary and secondary schools hoping to gain university education. This dream can only be materialised if the public universities continue to exist.”
ASUU-NDU, however, urged the students, parents and members of the public to join them in the noble cause as they were not on a sympathy strike.
The union said that in compliance with the directive to the Governing Council by the Governor of Bayelsa State and Visitor to the NDU, directing the NDU chapter of ASUU to withdraw from the ongoing national strike and resume academic activities, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, led the management team of the university to a meeting with the executive members of ASUU-NDU chapter on Friday, September 2, 2022.
The statement added: “While ASUU-NDU appreciates the concern of Governor Douye Diri, the Visitor to the university for expressing his understanding of the pains inflicted on students, parents and our members by a failed government, contrary to its promises prior to taking the reins of power, sadly the congress of ASUU-NDU cannot accede to the request to pull out of the strike.
“At the meeting, we conveyed to the university administration, the resolution of congress to continue with the industrial action to its logical conclusion. This is based on our understanding of the fact that this is a common fight for the soul of the public university system.
“We make bold to state that NDU, though a state university, has progressed thus far, courtesy of ASUU struggles, ranging from TETFund to NEEDs intervention, etc.”