The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Plateau State University, Bokkos branch has scheduled a congress meeting for tomorrow Wednesday, 21st February, 2024. The Secretary of ASUU PLASU branch circulated the SMS which states that the meeting is to hold at Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Jos by 12noon.
An impeccable source who spoke to www.pointblank.com.ng, but pleaded not to be mentioned as he was not permitted to speak for ASUU said “the ongoing ASUU strike is definitely top on the agenda. Your media (referring to www.pointblank.com.ng) rightly reported the speedy clearance of three months salary arrears by the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof Shedrack Best, and having made that commitment, ASUU will be meeting to take decision on the strike”
When asked further on what might likely be the decision of the congress on the strike, the university don replied “its congress that decides and not me. But most likely, the strike will be suspended in the interest of students and parents, though the strike wasn’t solely because of the salary arrears”.
Shedding more lights on the other issues, he said “the issue of workload and staff quarters are other pressing issues. We are overworked – one lecturer does the work of five lecturers and you know in academic, this does not benefit the lecturer, neither does it benefits the students.”
He continued “the lecturer doesn’t have time to research and because he doesn’t research, the students are not impacted with the best. Also, the need for staff to be accommodated within the university has even become more urgent in view of the worsening security challenges. Many of us are not comfortable going to Bokkos between 6 – 7am for security reason. What this implies is that 8am lectures are always rescheduled”
Our correspondent learns that the issue of the removal of Prof Bernard Malau Matur might take the backburner because ASUU is not ready to wade into that for now. ASUU body language seems to be supportive of Prof Shedrack Best appointment. This is however, expected considering how prompt he responded to ASUU demand. ASUU hopes that the Vice Chancellor will complete the recruitment process of new lecturers to reduce their workload and meet NUC minimum standard
With the meeting scheduled for tomorrow, academic activities are likely to resume fully by Monday, 26th February, 2024 while the strike will be suspended tomorrow with immediate effect, www.pointblank.com.ng, learns.
[…] BREAKING NEWS: PLASU ASUU TO MEET TOMORROW, SUSPENSION OF STRIKE TOPS THE AGENDA […]