Again, ASUU Decries FG’s Insensitivity, Says Industrial Dispute Imminent

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again expressed deep concern over what it perceives as the Federal Government's "appalling and intolerable" neglect of public universities, raising the specter of an imminent industrial dispute. ASUU contends that since the suspension of its last strike on Friday, October 14, 2022, the government has displayed a lack of sensitivity and responsiveness to the critical issues facing the nation's higher education sector.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. Adeola Egbedokun, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Akure zone, lamented the failure of the government to address various outstanding issues despite previous agreements and commitments. These issues include the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU 2009 agreements, withheld salaries of academic staff, unpaid promotion arrears, illegal deductions by governing councils, underfunding of universities, and arrears of Earned Academic Allowances.

READ ALSO:This one Never Ready to Graduate", Mixed Reactions as Female Fresher Corrects Lecturer

Egbedokun emphasized the urgent need for the government to find lasting solutions to the worsening socioeconomic crisis in the country and address the grievances of university staff. Specifically, ASUU accused the Federal Government of refusing to sign the draft renegotiated agreement produced by Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs, calling on President Bola Tinubu to review and sign the agreement for immediate implementation.

While acknowledging the partial payment of withheld salaries, ASUU stressed the importance of expediting the payment of the outstanding balance. The union expressed concern over the processing of withheld salaries through the IPPIS platform, considering it inconsistent with the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1993.

ASUU also raised objections to the illegal dissolution of universities' governing councils, urging the federal and state governments to reverse these actions and reconstitute expired councils.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:Fresher Spotted Finishing 4K Pomo After Practical ???? - See Enjoyment

On the issue of unpaid promotion arrears, Egbedokun highlighted that members are owed several months' arrears, ranging from six to 36 months, and demanded their immediate release.Furthermore, ASUU decried the gross underfunding of the university system, calling for an upward review of budgetary allocations to education to reflect international best practices.

The union concluded the conference with a stern warning, stating that if the government's alleged insensitivity persists, it could lead to widespread industrial unrest, for which ASUU cannot be held responsible.