The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned in strong terms the failure of the South-Eastern States Governments to meet its demands.

The President of the union, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, who made the condemnation, yesterday in Abuja said that the ongoing strike in the affected states’ universities would continue indefinitely.

He said that it was a matter for regret that proper teaching environment and materials were lacking in the universities, “and yet the governors refused to do anything about the situation”.

“Our demand has nothing to do with salary, but the lack of good teaching environment and infrastructure.

“We declared the industrial action almost three months ago and since then nothing has been done to meet our demands.

“We have decided to continue the strike indefinitely until they do the right thing or decide they do not need the universities again and close them down,” he added.

Awuzie explained that as a result of the “insensitivity” of the state governments to the plight of the union, some of the lecturers had started leaving for other universities.

He said: “Some of the universities have already started losing staff, because they have secured employment in other universities.

“There are many universities in the country, and they are looking for experienced academicians, and you know we are not in large supply.

“The lecturers cannot just sit endlessly waiting, when there are other job openings for them.”

The SE state governors are so happy at what the lecturers are doing. They are helping them conserve funds for the 2011 elections. For all they care, the strike action can continue till may 2011. I think it is a dumb move striking just before elections.