The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced it will go on strike in two weeks if the Federal Government does not honor its agreements. The union warns that Tinubu’s proposed loan package for Nigerian students will enslave them.
Addressing a press conference at Abia State University, Uturu Main Campus, Comrade Happiness Uduk, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Calabar Zone, highlighted the issues facing the academic sector. She stated that the Federal Government has yet to fulfill various agreements made with the union, leaving the academic staff and educational sector in a dire state.
“The agreements have not been met. There has been no salary increment, no payment of salary arrears, poor funding of universities, and non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances,” Uduk said.
ASUU also strongly opposes the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) at Abia State University, Uturu. The union condemned the victimization of ASUU members in Ebonyi State University (EBSU).
“The monthly wages of lecturers have been undermined by the high cost of living in the country,” Uduk added.
The union’s stance against the Federal Government’s loan package is clear. ASUU believes the package will burden students with debt. “Universities will be shut down for academic activities in the next two weeks. Please take the message to them,” Uduk warned.
READ ALSO: US Debate: Don’t Replace Biden; It Will Bring The Old Man Lots Of Sympathy — Akinyemi Declares
Dr. Chidi Mba, Chairman of ASUU in Abia State University, also voiced his concerns. He criticized the Treasury Single Account, noting that lecturers are owed between 11 and 14 months of salaries. Mba also mentioned that some workers’ salaries had been reduced.
“The state government needs to increase funding for the school,” Mba stated.
The Calabar Zone of ASUU includes seven universities: the University of Calabar, the University of Uyo, Alex Ekwueme University, Abia State University, Ebonyi State University, and Akwa Ibom State University.
ASUU’s ultimatum highlights the ongoing struggle between the union and the Federal Government. The union’s demands include salary increments, payment of arrears, better funding for universities, and the abolition of IPPIS and TSA in state universities. They also call for an end to the alleged victimization of members at Ebonyi State University.
As the deadline approaches, the threat of a strike looms large, potentially disrupting academic activities across the country.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
