ASUU FUNAAB Demands Improved Welfare and Payment of Outstanding Allowances

The ASUU chapter at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is demanding better welfare and the payment of outstanding allowances from the Federal Government.

ASUU FUNAAB Demands Improved Welfare and Payment of Outstanding Allowances

The Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is calling on the Federal Government to improve staff welfare and address unpaid allowances.

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During a protest at the FUNAAB campus in Abeokuta on Thursday, lecturers emphasized the need for an enhanced university system. The demonstration was marked by various placards with inscriptions such as “When will ASUU’s removal from IPPIS come to fruition or be implemented,” and “FG, fulfill your promise, fund public universities,” highlighting their key demands.

Oluwagbenga Adeleye, Chairman of FUNAAB ASUU, stated that the protest was in solidarity with the national union's ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government. He expressed frustration over the government's inaction, stating it was detrimental to the university system.

“The Federal Government is almost pushing us back to the trenches, which is very unfortunate because we have tried our best. The union’s national body has done everything within its reach to get the government’s attention to improve the state of universities and enhance our members’ salaries,” said Adeleye.

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He highlighted several unresolved issues, including unpaid promotion arrears and academic allowances from the previous year. Additionally, the three-and-a-half months' withheld salaries for completed work remain unpaid. Adeleye stressed that the union could no longer remain silent while these issues persist.

“This protest is also to make Nigerians aware and to urge those with influence in the government to intervene. A crisis is looming in the university sector if the Federal Government continues to ignore us,” he added.

Dr. Olusiji Sowande, the National Treasurer of ASUU, reiterated that the government had not met their demands. He revealed that the National Executive Council (NEC) had decided on specific actions to address the situation. Sowande clarified that the union's members were not inclined to strike but felt compelled to protest due to the government's lack of response.

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He urged the public and students to pressure the government to negotiate and resolve the outstanding issues.