REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
Parents and guardians in Anambra State have called on the Federal Government to urgently resolve the industrial dispute with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and other university-based unions to restore academic and administrative activities in public universities.
The ongoing strike by SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has significantly disrupted operations at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, with transportation, business, and administrative services within the institution severely affected.
A visit to the university showed near-total shutdown, with only a few shuttle buses operating and very low passenger turnout due to the absence of students and staff on campus.
One of the shuttle drivers, Mr. Innocent Ebekue, lamented the adverse impact of the strike on his livelihood, noting that the lack of students has drastically reduced daily business. He appealed to the Federal Government to honour agreements reached with SSANU and other education unions in the interest of national development.
A resident within the university community, Mrs. Patients Anakwuo, said offices remained locked, adding that the strike has particularly affected students processing final clearances. She urged both parties to reach an immediate resolution.
Some students, including Kelechi Eze and Miracle Okoye, who visited the campus for personal study, expressed disappointment over the closure of lecture halls and administrative offices.
Speaking on the situation, the Chairperson of SSANU, UNIZIK Chapter, Mrs. Chinenyenwa Chukwudi, blamed the strike on the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with the union since 2009.
She said the union’s demands include improved staff welfare, better university facilities, and payment of outstanding wage arrears.
Mrs. Chukwudi, however, expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with union leaders could lead to the suspension of the strike before the end of the week to allow for further negotiations.
