ASUU reacts as FG Register New Unions amidst strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has reacted to the registration of two new trade unions by the government for academic staff in the university system.

The unions registered include the National Association of Medical, and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA).

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, who spoke while presenting the certificates of registration to the two unions explained that the two bodies will exist alongside ASUU.

While reacting to the news, the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, who spoke with journalists, said the development was inconsequential and did not threaten ASUU and its strike in anyway.

He said,

“That does not in any way affect us. We are a disciplined and focused union and we know what we are doing and what we are after. Let them register as many unions as they like. That is inconsequential as far as we are concerned. We are not also in any way threatened. The sky is big enough for birds to fly.
“We know our members, we know our strength and we also know what our vision and mission are. Our members are not saboteurs or bootlickers . Our struggle is for a better educational system in the country. If the system is good, all of us will benefit and it is not only ASUU members’ children and wards that are going to benefit from improved funding and the provision of better facilities in our institutions,” he said.

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