The Academic Staff Union, also known as ASUU has taken the 2nd seat on the NigeriaTwitter trend table today as it has decided to join the nationwide strike declared by the NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) and TUC (Trade Union Congress). ASUU is known for its consistent strike over the years leaving students at the mercy of protracted academic disruptions. The  Union has often engaged in strikes, impacting students' education, and leading to prolonged periods of uncertainty and delayed academic progress.

Why the strike? 

The NLC and TUC announced the strike in response to the assault on NLC president Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1. Ajaero was targeted in Owerri, the state's capital while participating in an NLC demonstration protesting the alleged mistreatment of workers by the Imo State government. On Monday, the three parties instructed their members to stop working nationwide starting from Tuesday. This decision stands firm despite the National Industrial Court in Abuja issuing a restraining order on Friday, prohibiting the labor unions from initiating the strike. Disregarding the court's instructions, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, who is a soil science professor, sent a letter on Monday to ASUU regional coordinators and local leaders nationwide, telling them to follow the strike called by NLC and TUC.

ASUU President, Mr. Osodeke, stated in a letter addressed to the union's zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons that all members of their union, being a part of NLC, are instructed to take part in the NLC action to safeguard the interests of Nigerian workers and the union's leadership. He urged the zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons to promptly organize and mobilize their members to participate in this action too. 

What is the Federal Government Saying? 

The presidency labeled the strike as illegal and unnecessary, calling it a way to pressure the government unfairly. In a statement on Monday, the President's Special Adviser on Information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed confusion as to why the labor group would penalize an entire nation over a dispute involving the NLC President's personal issue.

President Bola Tinubu's five-and-a-half-month-old administration has already accused the labor unions of showing contempt for the court due to their strike announcements. Also, the federal government, represented by the AGF (Attorney General of the Federation) office, has been engaged in legal disputes with the leaders of NLC and TUC regarding the strikes they initiated at various times in protest against Mr. Tinubu's announcement of fuel subsidy removal in May.

All in all, the office has implored the unions not to start something disrespectful after receiving the court order.

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