Rivers Varsity Teachers Shun Asuu Strike

Rivers Varsity Teachers Shun Asuu Strike

THE indefinite strike action by the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RUST) wing of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Tuesday, has collapsed.

Teachers of the university are currently not on the same page with the union. ASUU had on Monday, resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following the re-appointment of Prof. Barinemi Fakae, as a Vice Chancellor for a second term, by Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who is the Visitor of the institution.

The local union has been repudiating Fakae's appointment since 2007, due to reforms brought about by him.

ASUU Chairman, Dr. Felix Igwe, had said the resolution was reached at a congress meeting of members, saying the decision to embark on strike was because Governor Amaechi could not comply with the seven day ultimatum by the congress for him to rescind the appointment.

The union maintained that the re-appointment of Prof.Fakae violated the university law and lacking in due process.

But, some lecturers as at last week, were still teaching, while deans of some of the faculties were busy asking lecturers to continue with their classes. Similarly, students continued to attend classes.

Some lecturers, who spoke to AkanimoReports, said they could not embark on strike based on text messages, maintaining that the strike has no reason or rhyme.

Desmond Nwosu, Public Relations Officer of the university dismissed the strike as of no effect. In a statement, he enjoined all students and staffs to disregard the strike threat and go about their normal duties.

According to Nwosu, ''Prof. Fakae has placed the university on a fast lane of development which as earned the university increased rating and accreditation of most of its courses.
Since Fakae assumed office in 2007, he has introduced reforms that plugged all loopholes of exam malpractice, sharp practices by some staff and students, and he has been at dagger drawn with vested interests on campus''.

This, he said, led to strident calls by some lecturers for his removal, the height of which was the call on Governor Amaechi not to re-appoint him at the expiration of his first tenure.

But government, being impressed by the transformation he has brought, re-appointed him two weeks ago for a second tenure.

ENDS

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