The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, FCT Chapter, has dissociated its members, mainly secondary school teachers, from the industrial action declared by the FCT wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
The union's FCT chairman, Comrade Julius Ogundiran, in an interview, stated that his members have resolved to remain at their duty posts and continue teaching without interruption.
He explained that promotion issues, which partly triggered the NUT strike, have been “substantially addressed” by the Office of the Head of Service and the relevant commission, with promotion letters currently being released in batches.
Ogundiran, however, raised alarm over "credible reports of intimidation, harassment and attempts to obstruct” his members from working, allegedly by persons enforcing the NUT strike.
He cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, including the right not to belong to any trade union.
He also referenced Section 12(4) of labour laws, noting that no person shall be compelled to comply with directives of an organisation they do not belong to.
“ASUSS is an independent professional body, mainly for the secondary school teachers, with its own constitution, structure, and leadership.
"Our members (secondary school teachers) are not subject to the authority or directives of the NUT,” he said.
Ogundiran noted that the Joint Union Action Committee, JUAC, has also engaged on the matters, making the strike “unnecessary” for ASUSS members.
He, therefore, asked authorities to issue directives protecting his members from interference, with the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, and release a circular affirming ASUSS members’ constitutional right.
“ASUSS remains committed to maintaining industrial harmony, upholding professional standards, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of quality education within the FCT,” he concluded.
