FUOYE Lecturers Protest Poor Funding and Infrastructure Decay in Public Universities
Lecturers from the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), conducted a protest highlighting issues of poor funding and deteriorating infrastructure in Nigerian public universities.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Lecturers at the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) staged a protest on Friday, June 28, decrying the inadequate funding and deteriorating state of infrastructure in public universities across Nigeria. Organized by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), faculty members from various disciplines participated in the peaceful demonstration.
Displaying placards with messages such as "ASUU Demands Improved Funding of Public Universities" and "Release Our Outstanding Three and a Half Salary", the lecturers voiced their grievances against the government's neglect of the university system. FUOYE ASUU Chairperson, Fagbuagun Abayomi, emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to address these critical issues affecting higher education.
Abayomi expressed disappointment over the government's failure to fulfill its financial obligations, including the renegotiation of the 2009 Federal Government/ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). He warned of potential industrial action if these concerns remain unaddressed, highlighting the detrimental impact on both lecturers and students.
SEE MORE: FUOYE Partners with UNICEF to Boost Student Entrepreneurship and Expand Campus Facilities
The ASUU chairperson also called for the removal of ASUU members from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), citing inconsistencies with the University Establishment Act. He criticized the government's reliance on IPPIS and urged adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), developed by ASUU for more efficient payment processes.
Furthermore, Abayomi condemned the inadequate budgetary allocation to education, stressing its adverse effects on infrastructure development, teaching and research capabilities, staff shortages, student accommodations, and basic amenities like water and electricity.
READ ALSO: FUOYE Partners with U.S CADFP on Curriculum Co-Development for Women and Gender Studies
In conclusion, ASUU FUOYE demanded the prompt release of revitalization funds and urged an increase in budgetary allocations to education to align with global standards.
