The Niger Delta University (NDU) Chapter of the United for the Educational Advancement of the Ijaw Nation (UEAIJ) has condemned the prolonged industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution. It called on the local ASUU to accept the 50 percent salary payment offer from the Bayels State Government and return to the classroom.

UEAIJ in a statement issued by the National President and Secretary, Dr. Kurobo Ikasakumo and Mr. James Diebimo respectively, told ASUU, NDU chapter, to take a cue from other institutions in the country that are facing similar challenges, but have decided to embrace dialogue, instead of resorting to industrial action.

Making reference to the developments at the University of Ibadan, the Kwara State University, University of Abuja, to mention but a few, the group noted that members of ASUU and NASU of the affected institutions have been on 50 to 70 percent salary since February this year.

The group advised any lecturer that wants to play active politics to leave the academic environment, rather than hiding under the umbrella of the union.

It pointed out that other classes of workers in the state, especially those in the judiciary, medical doctors and other category of health workers, have accepted the 50 percent term of payment, as proposed by the government.

UEAIJ noted that the continued closure of NDU has not only elongated the number of years for the students in the university, but also portends a grave danger for the future of the state and the region. It warned that it may be forced to mobilise over 20,000 students and stakeholders in the education sector to embark on a protest march in Yenagoa.

The statement by UEAIJ is coming on the heels of the outcome of the latest congress of ASUU, NDU chapter, where the lecturers decided to continue with the industrial action, insisting on the 100 percent payment of their salaries.

The latest action of ASUU is coming after the State Government had offered to pay 50 percent of their salaries for two consecutive months and maintain same, pending an improvement in the finances of the state.