ASUU Expresses Frustration Over FG Neglect of Lecturers, University Issues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced its disappointment and frustration with both the Federal and State Governments for their refusal to address the outstanding issues affecting lecturers in Nigerian public universities.

In a joint press conference held at the National Union of Journalists council in Sokoto, the university lecturers expressed their concerns. ASUU chairman at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Chapter, Prof. Muhammad Nuradeen Almustapha, lamented the government’s neglect and insensitivity towards the union members’ welfare.

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He stated, “The Union is seriously disturbed by the reports it received, which highlighted the blunt refusal of both the States and Federal Governments in addressing the issues that compelled the union to embark on the nationwide strike action of February 2022.”

Prof. Almustapha also noted that the Federal Government had only paid four out of the seven and a half months’ salary accrued to the lecturers, adding that the government has no justification for withholding the salaries, particularly for the work that had already been completed.

The union affirmed its demands for the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the implementation of the Nimi Briggs Committee Report. It called on the President Tinubu-led administration to immediately sign the Nimi Briggs renegotiated draft document as a sign of goodwill and assured hope for Nigeria’s public universities.

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ASUU condemned the government’s refusal to fund the revitalization of universities, which has led to a hike in school fees and levies, and the deepening socio-economic crisis in the country.