ASUU Vows to Continue Strike Despite FG Directive:
Nasir Issa-Fagge – National President, ASUU,
Meanwhile, the National President of ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge who briefed journalists in Abuja on the position of the union following the ultimatum, said the Federal Government was free to open all the federal universities in the country but all the members of ASUU would not go back to work unless government met all their demands.
According to Fagge, “we shall bow only to what we as academics are convinced will serve the interest of Nigeria and its people, no matter their ethnic, religious or class origins. This is where we stand. We shall never be cowed. Since the issuance of the union’s response to the said letter, the salvos that have been coming out, allegedly from the Minister of Education makes one to wonder whether the person that is charged with the responsibility of superintending over Nigeria’s education system has the wherewithal to handle such a vital national assignment.
“It is my intention therefore, to clear the air on the rumours, lies and mischief that are milling out of government circles (especially from Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission) all with the intent of misleading the Nigerian public.
“I will establish, to all discerning minds that ASUU did not bring any ‘new conditions’ as claimed by the Minister of Education Nyesom Wike and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Mr. Doyin Okupe. Rather, it is the government that is trying to avoid taking responsibility.”
Fagge stated that ASUU had no role in closing and opening of universities in Nigeria, rather it could withdraw its services which he said was the right of every worker.
He said: “The fact is very clear that our members are not going back to work and it is part of the sacrifice we are making that our universities meet up with other universities in the world.”