The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially joined the nationwide indefinite strike, as declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). This decision was communicated on Monday through a circular addressed to its zonal coordinators and chairpersons. 

The circular, signed by the National President, Emmanuel Osodeke, outlined the union’s stance in support of the broader labor strike, signaling a unified front in their pursuit of shared objectives.

While directing its members to join the strike starting from Monday midnight, ASUU said: “As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interests of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union.

“Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action.”

Recall that the national leadership of the NLC and TUC had written to the university lecturers’ union as well as the electricity workers’ union, demanding compliance to the nationwide industrial action.

According to a letter jointly signed by the NLC National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja and the TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the strike was in reaction to the recent assault on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, allegedly by the Nigerian police and the Imo State government.

The letter read, “In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12midnight today, November 13, 2023.

“Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and WC Whatsapp platforms.

“While we shall update you with developments as they unfold, do remain assured of our commitment to Nigerian workers and people.”