Map of Plateau State used to demonstrate the story.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – The Plateau State University, PLASU, Bokkos Chapter of the Academic State Union of Universities, ASUU has expressed its readiness to join the nationwide strike by ASUU.
The union’s local chapter urged the State and Federal governments to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions and take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action.
In a statement issued in Jos and signed by Dr. Monday Zitta and Dr. Lomka Kopdiya, Chairperson and Secretary respectively, the duo stated the PLASU has benefitted from the past struggle of ASUU hence the willingness to support the planned strike by participation.
According to them, “The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Plateau State University Branch met on 18th of May, 2024 and expressed willingness to join the nationwide strike action if the issues destroying public universities in the country are not addressed.
“The Plateau State University is a public university that has benefited tremendously from the past struggles of the Union; therefore, members are well mobilised to support the effort that will mandate the federal and state governments to take seriously the responsibility of ensuring quality university education.
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“The Union condemns in strong terms the failure of the government to sign and implement the Nimi Briggs Renegotiated Agreement. The Union also condemns the failure to release the N170 billion approved in 2023 for public universities’ revitalization.
“These unfortunate actions compounded by the poor socioeconomic reality have created the problem of brain drain as most of the highly esteemed intellectuals that should be on the ground to mentor the upcoming scholars are leaving in search of better remuneration outside the country.
“Members of ASUU at the Branch are calling on the State and Federal government to go beyond rhetoric and expressions of good intentions. They must take decisive actions to avert the looming strike action.”
