By ABBAS BAMALLI

The joint congresses of the four in-house unions of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina have embarked on a two-week warning strike, from Nov. 3.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Katsina, signed by Dr Murtala Abdullahi, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union (ASUU), UMYU chapter, on behalf of the four in-house unions.

The other unions are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Non-Academic Staff Union Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

Abdullahi recalled that the unions had formally submitted the critical issues that led to the trade disputes to the University Governing Council and the state government, but said that they were yet to be resolved.

“We also made it clear that the unions had reached an understanding with the government, through its representatives, on all the issues, with commitments on the part of the authorities to address the concerns of our members.

“These issues, it should be recalled, border on condition of service and the future of our teeming members, as well as the security of our examinations/records and autonomy of the university.

“However, it is regrettable to inform you that none of these agreements and understanding reached have been fulfilled by the state government,” he said.

The ASUU chairman pointed out that in spite of their patience, since 2020, which led to giving the government an additional three weeks to honour their promises, there had been no meaningful response or action.

“This continued disregard on the part of the state government clearly demonstrates a lack of seriousness and responsibility in addressing the plight of our members.

“In light of this and after due consultations and extensive deliberations, the congresses of the four unions have resolved to embark on a two-week warning strike.

“This is in order to further drive home our legitimate demands and compel the state government to wake up to its duties by demonstrating genuine commitment to resolving the issues at hand.

“We wish to make it clear that this action is not taken out of pleasure or haste, but as a last resort after all the avenues of dialogue and understanding have been exhausted.

“We sincerely appeal to our students, parents, the Katsina community and the nation at large for understanding and support. Our struggle is in the collective interest of quality education and the future of our children,” Abdullahi said.

He said that at the end of the two weeks, if there were still no tangible progress from the government, the unions would reconvene to decide on the next course of action. (NAN)