The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it approaches its one-year mark. The union cited unfulfilled promises and unmet expectations, leading them to withhold their support for the celebration.
At a press conference held on Friday at Benue State University, Makurdi, Zonal Coordinator Raphael Amokaha criticized the administration’s insensitivity and failure to renegotiate the 2009 Federal Government/ASUU agreement.
He highlighted several issues, including inadequate funding for universities, breaches of university autonomy through the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS), non-payment of earned academic allowances, and the withholding of four months’ salaries.
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“Our expectations were much higher than the present reality,” Amokaha stated. “Again, we cry out to the President; let the lecturers breathe! Do not suffocate us!”
Amokaha underscored the union’s frustration with the unfulfilled promises, particularly President Tinubu’s assurance that the era of strikes in Nigerian universities was over.
Contrary to this promise, Amokaha warned that the union is on the verge of another strike due to the administration’s shortcomings.
He also emphasized the need for the immediate signing and implementation of the draft renegotiated 2009 agreement, adjusted for the current hyperinflation affecting the country.
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“The balance of the eight months’ withheld salaries owed to our colleagues should be paid immediately,” he added. “They have now done the work in full, and to make it worse, the value of the eight months’ salary is now barely up to the value of two months’ salary at that time.”
Regarding the recent review of university governing councils, Amokaha advised President Tinubu not to use these appointments as rewards for political loyalty.
He stressed that governing councils require distinguished and upright individuals with experience in university administration, noting the improper treatment of notable figures such as Professors Attahiru Jega, Olu Obafemi, and Munzali Jibril.
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“Appointments to university governing councils must not be viewed as patronage for political loyalty,” Amokaha asserted. “It’s therefore not proper that personalities like Professors Attahiru Jega, Olu Obafemi, and Munzali Jibril be tossed about in the name of dissolution or reconstitution of councils without recourse to propriety.”
The ASUU Nsukka Zone’s stance reflects broader concerns within the academic community about the government’s commitment to improving the state of higher education in Nigeria. As President Tinubu’s administration marks its first year, these unresolved issues remain a significant point of contention.