ASUU Urges FG to Release Withheld Salaries

In a recent ASUU congress held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Nigeria, Nsukka branch, expressed deep concerns over the non-payment of its members' salaries for eight consecutive months. The union called on the federal government to urgently release the withheld salaries, highlighting the adverse impact it has had on the effectiveness of its members.

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Prof. Eze, a representative of ASUU, emphasized the frustration among its members due to the prolonged salary withholding and the challenging economic conditions in the country. He pointed out that without the release of the eight months' salaries, ASUU members would find it difficult to perform effectively in their roles.

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Eze stated, "ASUU members are frustrated because of the eight months withheld salaries, coupled with the increase in the exchange rate. Except the eight months' salaries are paid, ASUU members won't perform effectively. The government should release the money to ensure and sustain peace and harmony in the academic system."

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The plea for salary release was made amid assurances from ASUU leadership that progress is being made in the ongoing review of the university yellow book, which outlines guidelines for promotion within the university. Prof. Sule-kano Abdullahi, an ASUU Trustee and Chairman National Visitation Panel of the Union, affirmed that their team was at the University of Nigeria to engage with union members on their challenges and convey them to the national office.

The call for the release of salaries echoes the broader concerns of university educators facing financial difficulties, adding to the complexities posed by the current economic hardships in Nigeria.