The Academic Staff Union of Universities has stated that as the strike action continues, university lecturers are deciding to participate in non-academic activities to make a living.
ASUU has been on strike since February 14 in order to seek better working conditions, the revitalization of public universities, and academic autonomy, among other things.
ASUU President Professor Emmanuel Osodeke told Punch Newspaper that the government's refusal to meet the union's requests is harming the nation.
The Senior Workers Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU) called off their strikes on Saturday after the Federal Government pledged N50 billion to pay earned allowances to university staff, including ASUU members.
However, operations at public universities are expected to be restricted as long as ASUU is on strike.
Minister Adamu stated that the ASUU has rejected the government's proposal over the "no work, no pay" rule.
The union has requested that the government compensate for the six months that its members were absent from school.
“So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives. So many more will leave even after the strike too,” he said.
“I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table; look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg. Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”