What are the causes of strikes in Nigeria?

What are the causes of strikes in Nigeria?
Source: Guardian Newspapers
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For nearly nine months, the Nigerian educational system was plagued by the strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities commonly known as ASUU. As a result of this strike action, academic academics were halted in most higher institutions. Higher institutions that were not affected by the ASUU strike are Polytechnics, private universities, and a few state-owned universities. 

So let’s look at the triggers of the frequent strike actions by Nigerian universities to understand what can be done to address it. 

What are the causes of strikes in Nigeria?

Strikes are frequently the result of a number of issues, and scholars have made an effort over time to study the various reasons why strikes occur in the country's educational sector.

Improper application of collective bargaining

Collective bargaining has grown into a key instrument for establishing the processes for resolving workplace disputes as well as for settling conflicts when they inevitably arise. In Nigeria, the majority of strikes have happened as a result of the provisions of collective bargaining not being applied properly.

Inadequate application of the terms of collective bargaining served as the foundation for the 2013 ASUU and ASUP strike activities. The failure to implement the norms of collective bargaining contributed to the COEASU strike of 2014, which affected all Federal Colleges of Education.

Unfair treatment

When employees are treated unfairly by their bosses, a strike action results. There will inevitably be a conflict between employees and employers when employees feel that they are not being treated fairly in terms of wages and working conditions. Technical educators, for instance, have established objectives that they want the institution to achieve. If the institution didn't accomplish these objectives, there might be a deadlock that would probably lead to strike activities.

Workers in some cadres or lower levels claimed that they were being victimized by others who they believed to be in higher cadres or ranks. This has significantly lowered employee morale, and occasionally it has led to a total strike.

Legislative violation

A significant factor behind strike activities in the country has been found to be the violation of law or regulation. As long as the employment agreement between the employer and employees is in effect, it is enforceable. There will inevitably be an impasse when an employer violates a contract, which could eventually lead to strike actions. As a last resort to enforcing their demands, educators and teachers frequently resort to going on strike.

How Many Universities in Nigeria Are Under ASUU?

All federal universities are under ASUU. There are also state universities under ASUU such as:

  • Adamawa State University, Mubi

  • Ambrose Alli University

  • Anambra State University

  • Bauchi State University

  • Benue State University, Makurdi

  • Ignatius Ajuru University Of Education

  • Imo State University

  • Kaduna State University

  • Kano State University Of Technology

  • Kebbi State University Of Science And Technology

  • Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State

  • Nasarawa State University, Keffi

  • Niger Delta University, Yenagoa

  • Ondo State University Of Science And Technology

  • Osun State University

  • Sokoto State University

  • Sule Lamido University

  • Tai Solarin University Of Education

  • Taraba State University

  • University Of Ado Ekiti

  • Yobe State University

It is also important to note that some state universities like Ambrose Alli University have opted out of the strike and have resumed academic activities. Other universities as of now are yet to resume academic activities as they wait on the federal government to meet their demands, except     Delta state university which didn’t join the strike from the beginning.

State Universities That Are Not Under ASUU

The following is a list of state universities in Nigeria that have no affiliation with ASUU.

  • Abia State University (ABSU)

The Abia state government provides funding to Abia State University, which was established in 1981. Natives of the state had to travel great distances to other states in Nigeria before it was established in order to further their education. Being a state-owned institution, Abia State accommodates students from all backgrounds and has no religious affiliation.

The school offer courses in Banking and Finance, Law, Agriculture, Medicine & Pharmacy, Arts, Management & Social Science.

  • Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)

There are 5,838 students enrolled full-time in degree programmes across the six faculties of the youthful and expanding AKSU. 36 professors in different fields make up the 465 academic staff.

The undergraduate programmes are faculties of agriculture, arts, education, engineering, social sciences, management sciences, physical sciences, and biological sciences.

  • Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)

Anambra state, which is in southeast Nigeria, is in charge of managing the university. However, it is primarily populated by Igbo students, therefore we cannot describe it as being culturally diverse. Igbos and Christians will make up the majority of its student population. The university provides bachelor's degrees in a variety of fields, including engineering, social sciences, medicine, and the arts.

  • Ebonyi State University (EBSU)

The Ebonyi State University (EBSU) is situated in the Nigerian Ebonyi town of Abakaliki. In 2000, the university was founded and offers courses in Arts & humanities, business & social sciences, engineering, language & cultural studies, medicine & health, and science & technology.

  • Kogi State University (KSU)

The Kogi State University (KSU) is a university in Nigeria that is run and controlled by the state government. The school offers courses in banking and finance, law, agriculture, medicine & pharmacy, arts, management & social science.

  • Kwara State University (KWASU)

The state government manages and finances the university as well. Since the institution's founding in 2009, alumni have received academic and entrepreneurial training.

Numerous bachelor's degrees in engineering, science, education, the arts, administration, and social science are available.

  • Lagos State University (LASU)

The Lagos State University offers degrees in fields like engineering, medicine, social sciences, and education. The Lagos state government owns, operates, funds, and maintains Lagos State University, which was established in 1983.

  • Rivers State university (RSUST)

The Rivers State College of Science and Technology, which had been founded in 1972, became the foundation for the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, in 1980. The university offers degrees in fields like engineering, medicine, social sciences, and education.

Resumption date for universities in Nigeria 2022

According to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the latest date for Federal and State Universities in Nigeria to resume classes is October 13, 2022. This will mark the reopening of all state and federally funded schools.

The aforementioned day, however, is flexible. The strike will be suspended and classes will resume if the Federal Government and ASUU can come to an agreement that meets at least 80% of ASUU's demands.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, national president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has stated that the warning strike that the union began on February 14 will shortly be shortened. The set date for the resumption of academic activities in federal and state universities currently on strike is yet to be clearly known. All dates given are subject to change.

How many Nigerian students study abroad?

Nigerian students in Europe have been a significant influence in European Universities and have established themselves as some of the most accomplished graduates of different European universities. Nigeria has approximately three million international students studying in Europe, making it one of the countries with the largest numbers.

Conclusion

Many universities are not pleased with how ASUU and the federal government are going about the ongoing strike. As time goes on, more universities will opt out of ASUU and resume academic activities. Until then, we hope that the demands of ASUU are met.

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