The Joint Action Committee of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) is likely not to sheathe its sword following the suspension of industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
ASUU, according to reports, suspended its eight-month-old industrial action “conditionally” as disclosed by a member of the Union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) earlier yesterday. This was after the union branches held their meeting to vote either for suspension or continuation of the strike.
READ: ‘We Are Still On Strike’ — IBBU-ASUU Debunks Resumption Plan By Management
WikkiTimes understands that the union held the meeting as a headway to its next line of action after a court of appellate ruled last week that the striking lecturers have to return to class before appealing the judgement of the National Industrial Court that ordered them to resume work as they crusade for their course. However, details about meeting their demands remain sketchy at the moment.
On Monday, academic activities are expected to resume on campuses, according to ASUU leadership. But it stated that some state universities may schedule their presumption date as deemed fit.
‘RESUMPTION WITHOUT LECTURE’
Prior to the time, ASUU embarked on the just-suspended strike, some unions under the aegis of JAC in IBB University had had some internal tussles that are yet to be settled.
Professor Dangana Kolo, the ASUU Chairman, IBB University told WikkiTimes there are many things that needed to be fixed in the institution. According to him, lack of electricity and internet connectivity among other issues may hinder the institutions’ lecturers from teaching. However, he hoped the management fix them on time. Dangana further stated that the environment is not conducive to learning activities.
That aside, WikkiTimes understands that there are some unresolved issues between Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, the vice-chancellor and aggrieved members of JAC.
READ: IBBU Students Bemoan Prolonged Strike Amid Hike In Tuition Fees
On September 12, 2022, JAC after an emergency meeting passed a vote of no-confidence on the Vice-chancellor and the acting council chairman. This was in relation to delayed salary payments among other issues.
- According to JAC, it takes about 42 days at times to get their salaries. In addition, they accused the management of withholding a sum of N150 million disbursed to the unions by the state government. These among other undisclosed issues may further disrupt the institution’s academic calendar.
Efforts to reach the management were fruitless at press time, as the Vice-chancellor, Adamu did not respond to calls and enquiries sent to him.
