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ASUU divided over strike suspension, holds NEC meeting

Published

4 years ago

October 13, 2022

Barring a last-minute change, the Academic Staff Union of Universities may call off its indefinite strike on Thursday (today).

The Court of Appeal had last Friday, ordered the union to call off its strike.

The House of Representatives also intervened in the matter, raising the hope that the union may call off the strike soon.

The PUNCH gathered that most of the over 123 branches of the union have completed their congresses on the lingering strike.

Findings by The PUNCH revealed that while some universities voted for the suspension of the strike, others voted for conditional suspension.

One of our correspondents, however, gathered that at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the branch did not reach a consensus.

A source within the branch said, “No agreement was reached. Members agreed to follow the decision of the union’s National Executive Committee. Remember, we were on strike before the national body declared a strike.”

The situation was different at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where one of our correspondents gathered that the branch voted in favour of “conditional suspension.”

However, at the congress held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, which also had ASUU members from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, both in Ondo State in attendance, members voted for suspension so as not to disobey court orders.

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“Members did not want to vote initially but you know ASUU is a union of intellectuals and we cannot be caught breaking the law. That was why we voted for suspension,” a union member present at the congress confided in The PUNCH.

It was also gathered that Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria voted for a conditional suspension of the strike.

At the Usmanu DanFodiyo University, our correspondents also gathered that the branch voted for suspension based on the Appeal Court order.

Salaries increment

Meanwhile, The PUNCH has learnt that ASUU is awaiting the decision of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on the salary increase for university lecturers.

Our correspondents, who spoke to various sources within the ASUU-NEC, gathered that no agreement has been made over the percentage increase.

One of the sources said, “No agreement has been made yet on the issue of salary increment. During the meeting with the Speaker, the ASUU President was asked about the salary rate of professors, and he said it was N416,000. The Speaker expressed sadness over the matter; however, he was told that professors at Rivers State University were earning as much as N1m per month. The Speaker called someone to confirm, and it was found to be true.

“However, he couldn’t take any decision and he noted that he would transmit everything to Buhari and that the President would make the final decision.

“Also on the issue of earned allowances, N50bn has been budgeted to cater for outstanding earned allowances, while N170bn has been fixed for salary increases. However, from 2024, it is the various governing councils that will be paying earned allowances, while N300bn will go for revitalisation.”

When asked to comment on the possibility of suspending the strike, a member of ASUU NEC and the University of Jos ASUU Chairman, Dr Lazarus Maigoro, said, “The decision is for the NEC.”

However, the union’s National President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, could not be immediately reached for comments.

Benue ASUU

Like some universities, the Benue State University ASUU chapter resolved to respect the ruling of the Appeal Court.

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Our correspondent learnt that ASUU from Benue State University and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University held their meeting on Wednesday.

Though, ASUU chairmen from the two universities, Dr Victor Tarnongo and Prof Ameh Ejembi respectively declined to comment, stating that they were heading to Abuja after their respective chapters meeting for the union’s NEC meeting.

NEC meeting

Meanwhile, the meeting of the NEC is expected to be held at the University of Abuja on Thursday (today).

There, the union is expected to make its stance known officially as regards the lingering strike.

Incorporate UTAS

To avoid another strike, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Ganiu Olatunde, has advised the Federal Government to incorporate some of the features of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System to avoid another strike.

The VC said this on Tuesday, during a chat with journalists in his office to mark the end of his five-year tenure in office.

Olatunde said the only way to peacefully resolve the lingering crisis between the ASUU and the FG over the preferable platform for payment of lecturers’ salaries is for the government to merge the two payment platforms, the UTAS and the IPPIS.

Related Topics:ASUU Featured NEC Meeting strike

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MURIC Condemns Rape of 11-Year-Old Hijab Girl in Ogun, Warns Against Cover-Up

Published

6 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police (CP) for Ogun State is Bode Ojajuni

MURIC Condemns Rape of 11-Year-Old Hijab Girl in Ogun, Warns Against Cover-Up

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has demanded full justice for an 11-year-old Muslim girl who was allegedly raped by a man identified as Mr. Michael while returning from Arabic classes in Mowe, Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred on April 21, 2026, along Peace Lane, off Emerald School Road, Homeland CDA, Mowe, has been described by the human rights group as “a catastrophic act of depravity.”

According to a statement issued on Monday by the State Chairman, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and the State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, the victim was wearing her hijab when she was waylaid on a deserted street, grabbed from behind, gagged, and dragged into an uncompleted building where she was brutally raped.

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MURIC said it is deeply disturbed by reports that influential individuals have been visiting the victim’s family in an attempt to bury the case, questioning whether the family has the financial means to pursue legal redress.

“If this were your daughter, your sister, or your niece, would you be seeking just ‘dialogue’?” the statement queried. “Justice is not a commodity for sale. Defending the rapist is a crime against humanity.”

The group commended the Nigeria Police, Mowe Division, for initial investigations and the transfer of the case to the Gender-Based Violence Unit at the Police Area Command, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, noting that the unit is led by a female officer whose maternal instincts and professionalism are trusted.

MURIC also appealed to the Ogun State Government to establish special courts for rape and child abuse cases, arguing that the current system allows oppressors to walk free while victims live in a prison of fear.

“Every rapist is an enemy of humanity,” the statement added, urging the Muslim community and all stakeholders to remain calm but vigilant.

The organization reaffirmed its motto: “Dialogue, Not Violence,” but insisted that rape is neither a mistake nor an oversight, but a deliberate act of violence that must attract the full weight of the law.

MURIC Condemns Rape of 11-Year-Old Hijab Girl in Ogun, Warns Against Cover-Up

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BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

Published

23 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos State deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat

BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat

BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/A4bRwBXauM

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The endorsement was made on Monday at the Lagos House, Marina, during a meeting that brought together key political stakeholders and members of the state executive council.

The development signals an early alignment within Lagos political leadership as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, particularly within the ruling party structure in the state.

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Although full details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, sources indicate that the governor’s endorsement reflects continuity in governance and ongoing confidence in his deputy’s role in the current administration.

In recent weeks, Hamzat has reportedly been engaging in consultative visits with political leaders, party stakeholders, and community representatives across Lagos State, strengthening his visibility within the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts say the endorsement could significantly shape internal party dynamics, given Lagos State’s history of structured succession planning and strong influence within national politics.

Observers also note that such early positioning often plays a key role in consolidating support within party ranks, particularly in a politically strategic state like Lagos.

The ruling party has yet to issue a formal statewide statement detailing the broader implications of the endorsement, but political discussions around the 2027 governorship race have already begun gaining momentum.

Further developments are expected as political consultations continue across various levels of government and party structures in the state.

Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Lagos Governorship Race at Lagos House

BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/FCv8SZqqTn

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026

BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)

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Sowore Confronts Malami in Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari…’

Published

24 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Trends Admin

former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’

A dramatic moment unfolded on Monday at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja when former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, confronted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, during ongoing proceedings involving multiple legal disputes.

The encounter, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showed Sowore directly addressing Malami inside the court premises, linking his current legal challenges to actions taken during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Malami is currently facing charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), including allegations of money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms, and alleged unlawful acquisition of assets. He is also challenging interim forfeiture orders placed on some of his properties.

During the encounter, Sowore told the former minister:
“You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.”

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The exchange drew the attention of lawyers, court officials, and observers present in the courtroom, with some reportedly reacting with subdued laughter as the tense but brief interaction unfolded.

Sowore also attempted to further engage Malami politically, offering him a symbolic orange beret associated with his “Revolution Now” movement, which calls for systemic political and governance reforms in Nigeria.

“I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, Sowore acknowledged Malami’s composure during the moment, while reiterating his broader criticism of Nigeria’s political and justice system.

“At least I’m glad that you are strong. We are not all on the same side. Even the oppressors are oppressing you now… no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you,” he added.

In response, Malami maintained a calm posture and reaffirmed his confidence in the judicial process, stating that he remains committed to attending court proceedings and defending himself against the allegations.

“I can never be down. I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong,” he said.

The incident has since triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating both the propriety of the courtroom exchange and the broader political tensions surrounding Malami’s ongoing legal battles.

Observers say the episode highlights the increasingly public intersection between courtroom proceedings, political activism, and social media-driven political commentary in Nigeria.

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’