The Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK)Awka has backed out of the on-going general nationwide strike by the body.
However, this was not without some controversies, as two factions of the body in the institution-the ASUU led by Prof Ike Odimegwu and the Committee of ASUU progressives led by Prof Maduabuchi Dukor maintained opposing positions.
Prof Dukor, who led a committee of spokes persons from his group, including Prof Edmund Egboh, Dr Achunam Nwabueze, Prof Emma Akuezuiloh and Dr Jerry Emejulu among others said that they were standing down the strike action for now so as to complete the on-going Second Semester examinations in the university.
Describing the industrial action as ill-timed, the progressives noted that if UNIZIK joins the industrial action now, “it would be very suicidal to the interest of the students, parents, stakeholders and the entire university”.
They pointed out that it would negatively affect the university’s effort for accreditation in certain disciplines.
More so such would affect out final year law and medical students who would be prevented from attending the Nigerian Law School and Housemanship programmes respectively.
They also disclosed readiness to join the strike action immediately after the examinations, with due consultation with the stakeholders.
Dukor however appealed to the Federal Government to look into the demands of ASUU to restore and guarantee a conducive atmosphere for character and learning in the universities nationwide.
