The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, plans to appeal the National Industrial Court’s September 21 decision ordering university lecturers to stop their strike action to the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Lead attorneys for the Federal Government and ASUU, James Igwe (SAN) and Femi Falana (SAN), respectively, are present in court.
The union announced a “complete and indefinite” extension of its strike in August, claiming that the government had not adequately complied with its demands.
Among other things, the academics demand increased welfare, the revitalisation of public universities, and academic autonomy.
The non-payment of university revitalisation funds, which total roughly N1.1 trillion, is one point of discontent among academics.
However, the Federal Government has asserted that it lacks the resources to make such a payment, citing the low oil prices experienced during President Muhammadu Buhari’s watch.
Details later..