Teachers threaten strike at UNIABUJA

The University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has threatened to go on strike on July 16, to press for a visitation panel to the institution.

The chapter chairman, Dr Clement Chup, said in a statement in Gwgwalada on Thursday, after its congress that the visitation panel will address the issues raised by the union in its petition to the visitor of the university,President Goodluck Jonathan.

The statement said the July 16 given for the commencement of the strike followed an interactive session held with the National Universities commission (NUC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the leadership of the institution chapter of ASUU on July 6.

“If by July 16, the Visitor fails to make a pronouncement on the branch’s request, we shall commence an indefinite strike to further press for the actualisation of the request.”

The statement also said the union had suspended 13 of its members, following their involvement in anti-union activities.

“Congress resolved that members who called themselves the `Integrity Group’ and who had embarked on anti-union activities be suspended.

“Four of the members, Dr Y. M. Damagun, Dr Peter Maidoki, Dr Buba A.D.A, and Dr Sule Magaji have been suspended from the union for 10 years.

“Nine others, Prof. P. O. Idisi, Prof. Samuel Asala, Prof. A. Iketuonye, Dr Eunice Nnodu, Prof. Grace Nzelibe, Dr A.B.C Orji, Dr Abba Sadeeq, Dr Hauwa Imam and Dr I. C. Nnadi have been suspended for five years,” the statement added