Nigerian university staff take strike action
07/01/2010
Academics and support staff at the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in Nigeria have gone on strike indefinitely as they fight to improved conditions of service.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed that its EBSU chapter has taken the action on the back of a number of recent attempts to come to an agreement with the education authorities regarding a number of matters.
In particular, the union is looking to press home its calls for the release of the backdated promotions payments for its members, as well the recalling of staff who were sacked or dismissed without the proper due process.
The union chairman Dr Emeka Nwakpu said, according to the Nigerian Daily Champion: "Though management and council have tried to pay the arrears of 2008 leave allowance and promised to pay some promotion arrears of 2006/2007 session and other promotion arrears, ASUU-EBSU felt that the major issues have not been addressed."
At the same time, the Daily Trust has reported that the Nigerian Federal College of Education is to team up with the country's army to provide an education for soldiers and officers.
Written by John Curtis
