Showdown as Ebonyi State University Dares ASUU, Holds Lectures as Usual

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki resumed normal school activities today despite the indefinite strike action declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities to press home lecturers' demands for improved welfare and working condition in the universities.

According to Punch, a visit to the five campuses of the institution, namely Presco, Isieke, CASS and Permanent Sites respectively revealed that students were attending lectures, while other non-academic activities were also ongoing without hindrance.

In a telephone interview, the chairman of ASUU, Ebonyi State University chapter, Dr. Uche Onwe, said the chapter would hold a congress on Wednesday to arrive at a resolution concerning the strike action.

"We are just coming back from a meeting of the National Congress of ASUU, we have not taken any final decision on the matter. The Congress will meet on Wednesday," he said.

A lecturer at the College of Health Sciences of the university and ASUU executive member who pleaded anonymity said he had just received a notice about congress meeting, billed to hold on Wednesday.

ASUU announced nationwide strike which commenced on Monday as it said poor funding of varsities, part-payment of salaries of lecturers and the kidnap of two lecturers of the University of Maiduguri by Boko Haram, among other reasons for the strike action.