The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has rejected claims that the ongoing strike by workers in Federal Unity Colleges has been suspended. In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting, ASCSN stated that only the union's recognised leadership has the authority to call off the industrial action. The strike affects workers in 115 Federal Unity Colleges, the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters, the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS), and the Science Equipment Centre.
The union accused the Ministry of Education of acting in bad faith by failing to fulfil agreements reached during an earlier meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The minister had agreed to set up a broad-based committee involving all relevant stakeholders and release documents relating to the planned concession of King's College, Lagos. However, neither promise had been fulfilled, leading to the continued strike action.
ASCSN also faulted the minister's media aide for announcing the suspension of the strike without its approval. The union described the attempt to unilaterally declare the suspension of the strike as null, void, and of no consequence. The union's members had recorded overwhelming and near-total compliance with the strike across the country, with workers commended for remaining united.
The union condemned the deployment of armed police to King's College, Lagos, alleging that officers forced open school gates, harassed peaceful protesters, and arrested a minor during the dispute. This development was described as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable abuse of state power. The coordinators expressed a loss of confidence in the minister's handling of the dispute.
The coordinators accused the minister of engaging with people who were not authorised to represent the union. They urged the national leadership of ASCSN to remain firm in defending workers' rights and due process. The union ordered its members nationwide to continue with the 'No Reversal of King's College Lagos Concessioning, No Resumption' stance.
The ongoing strike continues, with ASCSN declaring that its members will not resume work until their demands are met. The union's leadership has been firm in its stance, ensuring that workers' rights are protected. The strike has caused significant disruptions to the education sector, with students and parents affected.
Key to resolving the dispute lies in the Ministry of Education fulfilling its agreements with the union. The minister's media aide's premature announcement of a strike suspension only escalated tensions. The situation remains unresolved, with ASCSN maintaining its stance until its demands are met.
Key points
- ASCSN rejects Education Ministry's claim of suspended strike
- Union accuses Ministry of Education of acting in bad faith
- Strike continues due to unresolved demands
