After four months of industrial action, the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi, on Monday, called off its strike and asked members to return to work. The lecturers downed tools because former Governor Gabriel Suswam did not pay their salaries.
The strike was called off after a peace meeting held by the ASUU leadership and representatives of the management and the state government. The parties, CAMPUSLIFE learnt, reached a “realistic” agreement after hours of meeting.
The ASUU Chairman, Dr David Ikoni, said lecturers were satisfied with the commitment of Governor Samuel Ortom to the agreement.
“We told our members that we agreed to the terms of the governor and suspended the strike on the governor’s appeal. He gave us his commitment and we felt that we should give him a benefit of the doubt,” Dr Ikoni said.
He said the lecturers would not hesitate to embark on strike again if the governor failed to keep his promise.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charity Angya, said the governor would do his best to ensure the school is not shut down again. She said: “Gov. Ortom has entered an agreement that is realistic. He had a good discussion with ASUU members and he agreed to the demands of the lecturers.”
The development excited students, some of who expressed happiness. Mary Anyogo, a 300-Level Mass Communication student, said she could not afford to stay at home any longer. “I am so happy when I heard the news. I can’t wait to go back to school,” she said.
Nana Ugoor, a 300-Level Psychology student, said he was no prepared to return to school, because of his financial challenge. He said: “Calling off the strike is good news, because it is what has been expected by students. But, I am not ready financially. I sponsor myself and it is not easy, getting money to return. I will resume in due time.”
The management has advised both staff and students not to waste time in resuming back to work to make up for the lost time.
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