The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin Branch, has criticized the federal government’s delay in paying the outstanding balance of the three and a half months of withheld salaries owed to university staff nationwide. Dr. Alex Akanmu, the branch chairman, addressed a press conference in Ilorin, condemning the government’s actions as an attempt to undermine the commitment and dedication of academic staff who continue to fulfill their responsibilities to students and the academic community.
Dr. Akanmu declared that the delay in payment is unjustifiable and reflects a “slave-master attitude” of the government. He emphasized the union’s legitimate demand for the withheld salaries and condemned the government’s lack of action despite stringent economic conditions. The union has begun consultations and mobilizations across other branches in the country to pressure the federal government to fulfill their demands.
In a related development, ASUU raised concerns about the gradual collapse of the university system due to the government’s failure to address outstanding issues with the union. Dr. Michael Ojo, Chairman of the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUE) Oyo Chapter, urged President Bola Tinubu to sign a renegotiated agreement with ASUU to rescue the Nigerian university system.
Dr. Akanmu highlighted that it has been over twenty months since the 2022 industrial action with no positive development from the government on demands such as the payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), despite it being included in the 2023 Budget. He criticized the government’s insensitivity towards ASUU’s demands, noting that the situation is worsening. The union’s grievances include the lack of changes to their negotiated take-home pay since 2009 and the government’s failure to commit to negotiated welfare packages and proper funding for institutions.
Dr. Ojo echoed these sentiments, stating that salary awards are not substitutes for negotiated agreements, which include comprehensive packages for a competitive university system. He called on President Tinubu to initiate the review and signing of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement. Ojo warned of a potential strike in the next two weeks if the government does not address ASUU’s demands, urging well-meaning individuals and groups to prevail on the government to avert an industrial crisis in the fragile university system.
ASUU’s demands include the immediate payment of outstanding salaries, adherence to international labor laws, and adequate funding to prevent the decay of university campuses. Dr. Ojo also called for the continuation of critical projects in all institutions, emphasizing the importance of government responsibility in maintaining the quality and competitiveness of Nigeria’s public universities.
