ASUU Laments Poor Funding Of Nigeria’s Public Universities, Threatens Fresh Strike
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Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of failing to honour longstanding agreements on the revitalisation and proper funding of Nigeria’s public universities.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna , said in a press conference at the University of Jos on Thursday, that lecturers have endured over two years of broken promises and delay tactics by the government, thereby warned of a possible nationwide strike.
Piwuna listed unresolved issues to include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, outstanding salary arrears, withheld promotions, and the welfare of retired lecturers.
“The general public should also note that ASUU has written several letters to the FGN drawing its attention to the need to resolve this crisis amicably. Lamentably, the FGN has always turned a deaf ear to all our pleas”
“As always, it is the FGN that has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on an action to press the FGN to listen to our demands and do the needful”
He also described the government’s proposed tertiary institutions staff support fund loan scheme as a trap.
“Our members do not need loans. What we need is the implementation of agreements that will improve our purchasing power. Government is still owing us three months’ salaries, yet they are asking us to borrow money,” he said.
While criticising the proliferation of universities without sustainable funding, the ASUU President warned that such actions have lowered standards and global rankings.
The union said it would await the outcome of the government meeting scheduled for August 28 before deciding its next line of action.
He added that members will stage rallies across campuses next week to demonstrate their frustrations.
