The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Bola Tinubu administration regarding the long-standing issue of unpaid salaries for public university lecturers. ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke has warned that if the government fails to address this matter within two weeks, the union will have no choice but to embark on industrial action.
Unfair Treatment and Unresolved Demands
Emmanuel Osodeke expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation. He highlighted the perceived unfairness of the government’s decision to only partially pay withheld salaries, leaving many lecturers without full compensation for their work. Osodeke argued passionately that ASUU members have diligently covered the workload missed during the strike period and therefore deserve to be fully compensated for the entire duration.
Call for Fair Compensation
The ASUU president emphasized the need for fair compensation, particularly in light of the government’s allocation of substantial funds for infrastructure projects. He stressed that prioritizing the payment of owed salaries to university staff is essential to ensuring the welfare and morale of educators across the country.
Looming Strike and Brain Drain
Osodeke raised concerns about the potential brain drain facing Nigerian universities as lecturers seek better opportunities abroad due to inadequate pay. He highlighted the drastic decrease in lecturers’ earnings since 2009, citing this as a significant factor contributing to the exodus of skilled academics from the country.
Governance Crisis in Universities
Addressing the governance crisis plaguing Nigerian universities, Osodeke criticized the government’s delay in reinstating dissolved Governing Councils. He emphasized the negative impact of this prolonged absence on university operations and academic integrity, calling for urgent action to rectify the situation.
Demand for Resolution and Accountability
ASUU demanded the prompt conclusion of negotiations initiated in 2017, reinstatement of dissolved Governing Councils, and the payment of owed academic allowances. Osodeke stressed the importance of addressing these issues swiftly and transparently to ensure the stability and credibility of the education sector.
The Road Ahead
As the two-week ultimatum looms large, the fate of Nigeria’s higher education system hangs in the balance. The government faces mounting pressure to heed ASUU’s demands and take decisive action to address the grievances of university staff. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a resolution can be reached or if the nation will once again be plunged into the turmoil of industrial action.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji