No fewer than Eleven state universities have not joined their counterparts to participate in the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
But on Monday academic activities were carried on in universities owned by Osun, Rivers, Delta, Borno, Anambra, Kwara and Akwa Ibom states as well as the three universities owned by Lagos State, Punch reports.
The Federal Government has also vowed to end the strike culture at tertiary institutions ahead of the National Universities Commission meeting with Vice Chancellors and Pro Chancellors which holds Tuesday.
As the industrial action by ASUU entered 204th day, some state universities are still in session.
Lecturers in two universities owned by Rivers State, Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, did not join the strike, Punch reports.
At the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, academic activities were going on as many of the students were writing examinations on Monday.
A final year student of Political Science, Master Ovum Amadi in an interview with The PUNCH said he was preparing for his examinations next week. He said, “Examinations have started. Those in 200-level have started.”
When contacted, a member of ASUU in the university, Dr Mandah Stanley, said the union in the institution was in court over some leadership issues.
The spokesman for the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the institution had no reason to join the strike for two main reasons.
She said the university is a teacher training institution. He added, “Governor Nyesom Wike pays our salaries promptly every month. He has not failed to pay for one day.”
Our correspondent also observed that academic activities were in progress at Osun State University.
The Acting Chairperson of ASUU in the university, Dr Weinde Olaosebikan, said lecturers in the institution did not join the ongoing strike because the branch was suspended by the national leadership of ASUU.
Also, the Delta State University, Abraka, was in session despite the position of the ASUU branch in the university.
A student, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the second semester exam was going on in the university. (Punch)
