No fewer than 57 physical structures out of 77 existing structures in Gombe State University were built from the proceeds of strike actions embarked by Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Disclosing this on Monday during a media briefing in Gombe State shortly after its Congress, branch Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Jauro, revealed that members would not be cowed by decision of the school management to effect no-work-no-pay policy.
GSU has been part of the six-month-old strike since it was declared on 14th February 2022 at a National Executive Council meeting of the union which held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
In a memo signed by Abubakar Bafeto, the institution’s registrar said register would be opened immediately to collect attendance of lecturers.
The memo partly read, “Accordingly, the university management wishes to bring this information to the attention of all academic staff that the governing council at its second emergency meeting held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 deliberated on the protracted industrial action embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities as it affects Gombe State University.
“After exhaustive deliberations, the council resolved and directed that all academic staff should resume work immediately.
“Attendance registers have been provided at the HODs offices for those willing and ready to resume.”
The branch Chairman said, “The Congress of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Gombe State University branch at its meeting held today 5th September, 2022 assessed the ongoing national total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action in Gombe State University. The branch Congress also noted with disappointment the recent circular by the university administration.
“After an extensive deliberations, the congress wishes to correct the notion that state universities have no business participating in ASUU strikes. ASUU strikes are embarked upon as the option of last resort, and are for the betterment of public universities in the country.”
According to Jauro, as a state institution, GSU has benefitted astronomically from Federal Government endowment projects than the State.
“For avoidance of doubts, Gombe State University remains a major beneficiary of several proceeds of ASUU strikes both in in terms of infrastructures and staff training and development. By our statistics, out of the existing 77 physical structures in the university, 57 were built by proceeds of ASUU strikes, with only 14 structures constructed by Gombe State Government. This figure shows that 74 percent of physical structures such as halls, theatres, office accommodations, laboratories, hostels etc
“Not less than 150 academic staff have been trained for masters and doctorate degrees through both Tertiary Education Fund and Needs Assessment Fund (revitalisation).
“These two interventions funds are products of ASUU strike. Without ASUU struggles that have produced these numerous opportunities for Gombe State University, what will Gombe State University parade as its facilities and staff training?”
While stating the Congress’s resolve to continue with the strike despite management’s threat, Jauro stressed its rejection of calls for staff to return “as the indefinite strike action called by National Executive Council is yet to be vacated.”
