The Ongoing Strike at Niger Delta University: A Call for Government Action.

The ongoing strike by lecturers at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, has become a significant concern for the academic community and stakeholders in the region. This strike, which commenced on December 10, 2024, stems from the state government’s failure to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on October 30, 2024.

Dr. Oyinkepreye Bebeteidoh, the chairman of ASUU’s NDU chapter, has reiterated the union’s position, highlighting critical issues such as inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and unresolved salary structures. In a recent statement following a union meeting in Yenagoa, he emphasized that the commitment to the strike reflects a broader dedication to the future of education in Bayelsa State. “We cannot, in good conscience, return to the classroom under the current circumstances,” Bebeteidoh asserted.

The lecturers are demanding a 25% to 35% salary increment, with arrears to be paid from January 2023 onward. Additionally, ASUU is advocating for the immediate implementation of an N80,000 minimum wage for its members, alongside the payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2018. The union has also called for improved residential accommodation, recruitment of additional academic staff, and continuous funding to meet accreditation requirements.

Bebeteidoh acknowledged the hardships faced by students and their families due to the strike but maintained that such action is essential for achieving an equitable and sustainable education system. He urged the state government to fulfill the terms of the October 2024 MoU, warning that further delays could have dire consequences for students, faculty, and the broader educational landscape in Bayelsa State.

The ASUU leadership has called on the government to demonstrate sincerity in addressing these pressing concerns to resolve the ongoing crisis and restore normalcy to the university. The situation remains critical, and the time for decisive action is now.