Economic Hardship: ASUU Laments Death of 46 Professors and Others in UNIABUJA, FUTMINNA
The affected institutions include the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, and the Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, expressed deep concern over the loss of lives among its members due to economic hardship, poor remuneration, and unfavorable working conditions.
According to the union, at least 46 academics, including eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, have lost their lives in universities under the Abuja zone. The affected institutions include the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, and the Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai.
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Salahu Muhammed, the zonal coordinator of ASUU, Abuja zone, disclosed this in a statement, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian academics. He cited the departure of many academics from the country in search of better opportunities, which has increased the workload on those remaining in the system.
The statement also criticized the failure of the government to fulfill commitments made to the union, leading to deteriorating working conditions and morale among academics. Despite promises of a 35% salary increase for professors and exemptions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Muhammed stated that the government has not honored these commitments.
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ASUU called on the government to urgently address the situation by implementing previous agreements, including the Prof. Nimi Briggs’ committee renegotiated agreement, payment of withheld salaries and promotion arrears, and immediate implementation of salary awards and exemptions from IPPIS.
The union emphasized the need for decisive action to prevent further loss of lives and improve the welfare of academics in Nigerian universities.
