THE CYCLE OF STRIKES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES By Freddy Ogugua Esenwa (Jnr.) Department of Physical Planning & Development National Universities Commission, Abuja

1.00 INTRODUCTION University Education in Nigeria is regarded by the majority of persons as the ultimate which any family can provide for its sons and daughters. The financial capabilities of the Nation to continue with the pattern set in 1948 as well as meet the peoples’ aspirations led to increasing stress on the quality of education.

2.00 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION University of Lagos University College, Ibadan University of Ibadan University of Nigeria Obafemi Awolowo University Ahmadu Bello University

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION CONT’D 1970 In 1970, All Six Universities became 100% the responsibility of the Federal Government University of Benin

Asquith and Elliot Commissions recommended establishing educational institutions far from existing urban centres. The institution had to establish own amenities like: Water Light Roads Medical facilities Transportation system Residential accommodation Board for students Laboratories, classrooms, and libraries

3.00EXPANSION OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION Port Harcourt new universities Kano Calabar Ilorin Jos Maiduguri Sokoto

EXPANSION OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION CONT’D  In the 1980’s Creation of 7 Universities of Technology  From 1979 Introduction of a Distance Learning University

4.00SPATE OF STRIKES IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM  1970’sStudents vs University Authorities Students vs Government Policy  1980’sUniversity staff agitation for improved conditions of service  1975Udoji Salary Review Commission  1981Cookey Commission recommended USS Salary Structure  1982Presidential Commission on Salary and Conditions of Service of University Staff estimated N462,000, for rehabilitation of facilities in the universities  1985Government released N85,000,000.00

5.00CIRCLES OF STRIKES AND STUDENTS’ DEMONSTRATIONS Between 1970 and 2003 (33 years), the Nigerian University System has witnessed closures due to either Students demonstrations or due to staff Union strikes.

1970’s student’s agitation for improved academic environment, residential accommodation and feeding 1972University of Ibadan closed due to student’s riot 1973Students of University of Lagos rioted against NYSC scheme

1978Students went on rampage at the review of the cost of meal ticket from 50K to N Students rioted against the introduction of SAP 1981ASUU strike led to the setting up of the Cookey Commission ( universities closed for 6 months )

In 1992, the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities declared an industrial trade dispute with Federal Government of Nigeria, the Governing Council of each State and Federal Government, the Minister of Education and National Universities Commission over three issues. These were:  Gross under funding of Nigeria universities  Conditions of Service of Academic Staff a. Salaries and b. Non-Salary Condition of Service  University Autonomy and Academic freedom

As a result of the Industrial Action, ASUU was proscribed.  1992Following the resumption of negotiation, the Agreement was signed on September 3,  months strike by Non-Teaching staff demanding for parity in salary  1994ASUU strike for increase in salary  1995ASUU strike for the review of the 1992 Agreement

1996ASUU President Dr. Assisi Asobie was dismissed. Universities closed for 7 months for his recall and the need to review the 1992 Agreement 1999ASUU Strike for 5 months led to constitution of a Federal Govt. Negotiating Team to negotiate with ASUU on ‘Salaries, Wages and Other Conditions of Service in the University System’ An Agreement was signed on May 25, 1999.

1999ASUU strike over perceived non- implementation of the October 26, 1999 signed Agreement 2000ASUU strike for the resumption on negotiation of Basic salaries, University funding, and Autonomy 2001ASUU strike for 3 months over stalemate in the negotiation. Agreement signed on June 30, 2001

2002ASUU strike for 2 weeks over perceived non-implementation of the 2001 Agreements Currently in 2003, all the Unions in the University System are on strike over the following issues: Inadequate funding Non-implementation of Agreement Disparity in Salary Retirement Age Non-implementation of Allowances The current strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities commenced on December 29, 2002 and as at today March 12, 2003, the strike duration is two and a quarter months old.

6.00CONCLUSION Autonomy Bill Funding Governing Councils Union Matters Conditions of Service Licensing of Additional Private Universities

Unionization Private Sector Participation in the Provision of Students Hostel Introduction of Fees Commercialisation of Some Activities Parity in Basic Salary Entry Point for Fresh Graduate Parent Forum Enlightenment Programme