The Academic Staff Union of Universities has expressed concern that the Federal Government’s proposal to automatically deduct 40% from the universities’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will lead to the impoverishment of the university system.
In October, the Ministry of Finance informed academic institutions nationwide about its intention to deduct 40% from their IGR.
ASUU, through a statement by its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized that universities shouldn’t be considered revenue-generating bodies. Instead, the fees paid by students are meant to facilitate their proper education.
Osodeke, after the NEC meeting held at Kaduna State University from November 11th to 12th, urged the FG to exempt universities from the obligation to remit 40% from their IGR, addressing various issues affecting the Nigerian University System and the nation.
It read, “NEC reviewed the implications of the recent directive to Federal Universities to remit 40 per cent of their Internally Generated Funds to the coffers of government. NEC condemns the directive in its entirety because it would further impoverish and emasculate the Nigerian university system.
“For the avoidance of doubt, universities are not revenue-generating agencies because the obligatory fees paid by students are to provide the necessary tools for them to be properly educated. NEC calls on the relevant institutions of state to remove universities from this category of government ministries, departments, and agencies regarded as revenue-generating centres because of its implications for affordability and accessibility of education in the country.”
During the meeting, ASUU expressed frustration over the intentional efforts by the Accountant General’s office to worsen the financial situation of its members. This was due to their refusal to pay the promotion arrears owed to the majority of members since 2018.
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