The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sounded the alarm over the government’s failure to honor its commitments, leaving Nigerian academics and public universities in a state of uncertainty.
Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed deep dismay at the lack of progress in addressing critical issues following the suspension of the nationwide strike in October 2022.
Osodeke highlighted the union’s concerns, citing the prolonged absence of a renegotiated agreement with the government for 15 years and the government’s reluctance to disburse overdue Earned Academic Allowances, despite allocations in the 2023 budget.
He emphasized ASUU’s bewilderment, stating, “The union wonders why it must take another round of strike action to get the government to release lecturers’ entitlements that are already captured in the budget.”
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Additionally, ASUU drew attention to the escalating socio-economic crisis exacerbating insecurity and deteriorating living standards in Nigeria. The union urged the government to expedite the establishment of a minimum living wage and reassess IMF/World Bank policies negatively impacting the quality of life for Nigerians.