By ABUBAKAR AKOTE YABAGI

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Niger, has declared an indefinite strike.

The branch chairman, Mr Galadima Bala, announced the decision on Monday after an emergency congress in Lapai, Niger.

Bala said the action followed the Niger Government’s continued failure to implement critical components of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

He said the failure persisted in spite of several engagements, appeals and efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue.

According to him, the union’s decision became necessary after the government failed to address the outstanding issues affecting academic staff.

Bala expressed concern that continued non-implementation could trigger an exodus of experienced academic staff from the institution.

He warned that such an exodus would undermine the integrity and sustainability of the university system.

The chairman also cautioned that neglecting education could worsen existing security challenges in Niger.

He urged stakeholders, traditional leaders and concerned citizens to prevail on the state government to urgently implement the agreement.

Bala said doing so would help restore industrial harmony and prevent further deterioration of the university system.

He said the union’s demands were aimed at preventing the institution from imminent collapse caused by the massive exodus of experienced staff.

The chairman, however, said ASUU remained open to genuine and result-oriented dialogue with the government.

He added that the strike would be called off once the government demonstrated commitment and took concrete steps towards implementing the agreement.

The union called on the government to act urgently, stressing that resolving the issues was crucial to sustaining quality university education in the state. (NAN)