The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has rejected claims that the ongoing strike by workers in Federal Unity Colleges has been suspended, insisting that only the union’s recognised leadership has the authority to call off the industrial action.
The union made this known in a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting of its zonal coordinators in the Federal Unity Colleges with the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday.
ASCSN said the nationwide strike, which affects workers in the 115 Federal Unity Colleges, the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters, the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS) and the Science Equipment Centre, would continue.
The union accused the Ministry of Education of acting in bad faith by failing to fulfil agreements reached during an earlier meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
According to the communiqué issued on Saturday to DAILYPOST, the minister had agreed to set up a broad-based committee involving all relevant stakeholders and release documents relating to the planned concession of King’s College, Lagos, but neither promise had been fulfilled.
The union also faulted the minister’s media aide for announcing the suspension of the strike without its approval.
“The attempt by the minister’s media aide to unilaterally declare the suspension of the strike is null, void and of no consequence, as only the recognised leadership of the union has the authority to issue directives to members,” the communiqué said.
ASCSN said its members had recorded overwhelming and near-total compliance with the strike across the country and commended workers for remaining united.
The union also condemned the deployment of armed police to King’s College, Lagos, alleging that officers forced open school gates, harassed peaceful protesters and arrested a minor during the dispute.
It described the development as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable abuse of state power.
The coordinators also expressed what they described as a loss of confidence in the minister’s handling of the dispute, accusing him of engaging with people who were not authorised to represent the union.
They urged the national leadership of ASCSN to remain firm in defending workers’ rights and due process.
“We hereby order our members nationwide to continue with the ‘No Reversal of King’s College Lagos Concessioning, No Resumption.
“ The ongoing strike continues,” the union declared.
Education ministry’s strike suspension claim null, void – ASCSN