Senate Faults FG Over ASUU Strike, Says “You Can’t Teach When Your Stomach Is Empty”

Senate Faults FG Over ASUU Strike, Says “You Can’t Teach When Your Stomach Is Empty”

The Nigerian Senate has criticized the Federal Government for failing to fulfill its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has resulted in a two-week warning strike by the union. Lawmakers expressed concern that the ongoing industrial action could once again disrupt the nation’s academic calendar and further weaken the already struggling education sector.

During plenary, several senators condemned the government’s negligence and lack of commitment to resolving lingering issues with ASUU. They stressed that university lecturers deserve better welfare, as their role in shaping the nation’s future cannot be overemphasized.

“The government must understand that you can’t teach effectively when your stomach is empty,” one senator remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for improved working conditions and timely payment of salaries and allowances.

The Senate also resolved to intervene in the matter by engaging both the Federal Government and ASUU leadership to find a lasting solution. Lawmakers urged the executive arm to honor previous agreements and prioritize education as a key driver of national development.

They further appealed to ASUU to consider dialogue and suspend the strike in the interest of students whose academic progress continues to suffer due to recurring disruptions.

The two-week warning strike by ASUU, which began recently, is aimed at pressing home demands including better funding for universities, improved salaries, and the implementation of agreements reached in previous negotiations with the Federal Government.

The Senate assured Nigerians that it would not stand by while the country’s tertiary institutions remain paralyzed, promising to take proactive steps to restore normalcy in the education system.