ASUU strike: Disregard rumoured resumption dates, UNIBEN, BUK tell students

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the Bayero University Kano (BUK) have dismissed rumours that they plan to resume academic activities amid the ongoing strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). 

Both institution’s are part of the eight-month strike embarked upon by ASUU.

Rumours, however, surfaced recently that they are planning to resume academic activities.

The reports claimed UNIBEN is scheduled to resume on October 20.

This comes a few days after the varsity released details for its post UTME and Direct Entry (DE) screenings.

But reacting in a statement on Monday, Benedicta Ehanire, UNIBEN’s public relations officer, advised students, parents and the public to disregard such information.

BUK: RUMOURED RESUMPTION DATE FAKE, MALICIOUS

On his part, Lamara Garba, BUK’s deputy registrar, said the institution has not announced any resumption date as claimed.

“The attention of the management of Bayero University, Kano, has been drawn to fake and unfounded information circulating on social media, announcing the resumption date of the institution,” the statement reads.

“Members of the public, particularly students and parents are, therefore, urged to disregard and ignore such information, as it is fake and malicious.”

ASUU has been on strike since February 14 to press home their demands for improved funding for universities, and a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Several meetings between ASUU and the federal government have ended in deadlock.

The controversy trailing the lingering strike took a dramatic turn last week when the federal government formally recognised the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), a breakaway faction of ASUU.

The move is believed to be an attempt to reduce the influence of ASUU.