ASUU not bothered, says ‘our struggle is for a better educational system’
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
****************************
“As a union [ASUU], we have been championing transparency and accountability in the university system.
“That is why we are calling for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution [UTAS] as the payment platform in the university system.
“Those indicted for misappropriating over N100 billion through their IPPIS, are they our members?
“Moreover, one of our demands is that Visitation Panels be set up to probe the activities and the finances of universities in the country. If we don’t want corruption stamped out, we would not be asking for that.”
****************************
Lecturers have dismissed as untrue and unfair allegation by Muhammadu Buhari they are complicit in the corruption in the university system, and stressed the registration of rival unions will not resolve problems.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said the registration of the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) and Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) is inconsequential and does not pose a threat to its own existence.
ASUU National President Emmanuel Osodeke, a Professor, justified the strike by lecturers for eight straight months, and counting, caused by the refusal of the government to properly fund university education.
“That does not in any way affect us. We are a disciplined and focused union and we know what we are doing and what we are after.
“Let them register as many unions as they like. That is inconsequential as far as we are concerned. We are not also in any way threatened. The sky is big enough for birds to fly,” Sodeke told Vanguard.
“We know our members, we know our strength and we also know what our vision and mission are. Our members are not saboteurs or bootlickers. Our struggle is for a better educational system in the country.
“If the system is good, all of us will benefit and it is not only ASUU members’ children and wards that are going to benefit from improved funding and the provision of better facilities in our institutions.”
__________________________________________________________________
Related articles:
Jega accuses Ngige of waging personal war against ASUU to destroy varsity education
Falana says ASUU is united despite ‘illegal’ registration of rival unions
Nigerians outraged as Buhari orders ASUU to teach on empty stomachs
__________________________________________________________________
Alleged complicity in corruption
Osodeke described as unfounded allegation by the Presidency that ASUU members are complicit in the corrupt practices in the university system.
“As a union, we have been championing transparency and accountability in the university system,” he explained, according to Vanguard.
“That is why we are calling for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution [UTAS] as the payment platform in the university system.
“Those indicted for misappropriating over N100 billion through their IPPIS, are they our members?
“Moreover, one of our demands is that Visitation Panels be set up to probe the activities and the finances of universities in the country. If we don’t want corruption stamped out, we would not be asking for that.”