The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Nigerians to urge the Federal Government to address its demands for improved welfare and administrative conditions in public universities.
The union made this appeal during a news conference held at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu on Friday. Mrs. Happiness Uduk, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Calabar Zone, emphasized that meeting these demands is crucial to preventing an imminent nationwide strike. ASUU has given a two-week ultimatum for the state and Federal Governments to fulfill its demands, warning of potential industrial action if they are not met.
Uduk expressed disappointment over the FG’s failure to fulfill commitments outlined in the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, which has resulted in stagnation in salary scales and overall welfare improvements.
She said, “The government had an agreement with ASUU in 2009, which tells us that for 15 years running, ASUU members have been on the same salary scale; nothing has changed.
“We are requesting that government should complete negotiations. It started with us more than 13 years ago, first with the Babalakin-led team, then the Munzali-led team, and finally the Briggs-led team.
“These people had completed the negotiations, and if the negotiations had been completed and Mr President had the document, we don’t know why, for a year now, he has not called us to talk to us about it.
“So, government should, as a matter of urgency, address our renegotiation and take into account current realities, including inflation rate, exchange rate, and whatever needs to go into that,” Uduk said.
She urged both federal and state governments to tackle issues concerning the revitalization fund for public universities, payment of earned academic allowances, withheld salaries, high taxation, and victimization of ASUU members.
Additionally, she emphasized ASUU’s firm stance on removing its members from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS).
Uduk further highlighted that the increased taxation faced by ASUU members stemmed from what she described as “the introduction of a burdensome platform” for salary payments.
“Whatever government has in mind with regards to that, it should use our University Transparency and Accountability Solution or any other platform that would originate from universities rather than the IPPIS,” she said.
She recommended replacing the FG’s student loan scheme with grants, arguing that this change would reduce financial burdens on students and enhance their academic endeavors.
Uduk urged the FG to halt the proliferation of universities and instead concentrate on enhancing funding for existing institutions to raise overall standards.
She also advocated for a swift resolution to the minimum wage issue and the implementation of a living wage comparable to standards in more stable environments.
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