Fact-check: Has Gombe Varsity pulled out of ASUU strike?
Some residents have expressed joy following the false news that the Gombe State University (GSU) has suspended its strike, thereby backing out of the nationwide industrial action.
Recall that the six-month-old strike was declared on 14th February 2022 at a National Executive Council meeting of the union which held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
Since then ASUU members of GSU have been on strike, following the national decision of the Academic trade union to drive home the need for government to respect its agreement.
However, in a memo signed on Friday by Abubakar Bafeto, the institution’s registrar said register would be opened immediately to collect attendance of lecturers, adding that 100 level were to have their matriculation on Saturday.
The memo partly read, “Accordingly, the university management wishes to bring this information to the attention of all academic staff that the governing council at its second emergency meeting held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 deliberated on the protracted industrial action embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as it affects Gombe State University.
“After exhaustive deliberations, the council resolved and directed that all academic staff should resume work immediately. Attendance registers have been provided at the HODs offices for those willing and ready to resume.”
Investigation conducted by our correspondent shows that since 22nd that the management asked 100 level students to resume, lectures have been handled by tutors from School of Basic and Remedial Studies, causal staff, following ASUU’s unwillingness to return to the class.
A source who provided our correspondent with information on the basis of anonymity said, “They are Non ASUU members, they are causal staff who are inadequate.
“Aside from a few professors, whom are not enough, the rest of the tutors are unqualified, and they are not enough for the population that they are handling. It is sad that many of them are not specialised, so they lack requisite knowledge.”
Also speaking, a 100 level student who identified herself as Kundulum said lecturers were yet to resume to the classes.
She said, “We are being taught by those they refer to as tutors from their school of remedial studies, there are courses that are not taught in remedial but is offered in 100 level that is where the problem is because that is my case, how do you survive?”
Reacting Public Relations Officer of the University Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed that 100 level students were been taken by remedial staff, whom are on contract.
He said, “Many of them are qualified, they are holding higher degrees, and they have doctorate in view. Yes, they are not members of Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU Gombe chapter.
“The governing council has directed that the school implements no work no pay, and registers have been opened at the Head of Departments offices for lecturers.”
It is true that Management has reopened activities on campus, but lecturers in Gombe State University are yet to resume.
Its misleading to say strike has been suspended as at 2nd September, 2022. So far, only 100 level students have resumed however, their academic activities, authorities have managed to sustain through support of remedial staff members most of whom are not members of the union.
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