The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed full support for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its two-week warning strike, describing the action as a justified response to years of government neglect.
In a statement on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the strike underscores the “persistent crisis” in Nigeria’s public education system, which he described as “crippled by chronic underfunding and the government’s repeated failure to honour agreements.”
“The commencement of a two-week warning strike by ASUU is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements,” Ajaero said.
He criticised the government for responding to the strike with threats rather than dialogue, particularly through the enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy.
“This misrepresents the situation,” he said. “The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars. Lecturers are willing to work, but the government, by reneging on its commitments, has made it impossible for them to do so with the dignity and conditions their profession deserves.”
Ajaero said the dispute goes beyond labour issues, describing it as a “societal crisis” that exposes deep inequalities in Nigeria’s education system.
“While the children of the elite attend private schools or study abroad, the children of workers and the poor are left to struggle in a public education system being systematically weakened,” the statement added.
He warned that the government’s actions risk widening the educational divide and “reserving quality education as a privilege for a few.”
“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle,” Ajaero declared. “The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future.”
The NLC urged the government to immediately address the issues raised in its agreements with ASUU instead of issuing threats. It also warned that if the government fails to act after the two-week warning strike, the NLC “will not remain silent.”
The congress said it plans to convene an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the education sector to develop a broader strategy for engaging the government.
Ajaero concluded by calling on authorities to fulfil their promises and rescue Nigeria’s public universities, warning that continued inaction could trigger a “firm and united response” from the country’s workers.