The management of University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has issued a directive mandating all academic staff members to resume teaching activities, as part of enforcing the government’s “no work, no pay” policy.
The announcement, the management said, is aimed to emphasize that continued absence from duties, despite ongoing negotiations and appeal, would no longer be tolerated.
The Vice-Chancellor, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, highlighted the detrimental impact of the strike on students, stressing the ethical issue of expecting salaries without fulfilling teaching responsibilities.
The Vice-Chancellor noted numerous appeals to retract the circular but clarified that the focus should be on ending the disruption to students’ education.
“The management has made significant concessions on various issues, including delaying staff promotions until the Governing Council is in place, postponing the Vice-Chancellor recruitment process, and inviting ASUU to appoint a representative to the UniAbuja Microfinance Bank Board.
“Additionally, all remaining deanship elections are scheduled to occur promptly after the strike ends.”
The Vice-Chancellor reassured staff members that the Federal government is finalizing the establishment of the new Council, which would address all outstanding matters.
The message urged ASUU to prioritize students’ interests and resume academic activities to restore the university’s reputation and function.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed a willingness to temporarily suspend the enforcement of the policy, contingent on efforts from staff members and ASUU members to end the strike.
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue and compromise, the Vice-Chancellor called for an immediate resolution to avoid further harm to the university community.
