The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University, Gashua branch in Yobe State, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, urging it to promptly resolve long-standing issues affecting universities across the country to prevent another disruption of academic activities.
Chairman Melemi Abatcha and members of ASUU addressed journalists in Damaturu, the state capital, highlighting critical issues such as funding for university revitalisation and the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement as major points of contention.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Abatcha emphasized the urgent need for improved infrastructure, conducive teaching and learning environments, as well as adequate accommodation for students and staff.
He underscored the plight of Nigerian universities operating on outdated salary structures since 2009.
“Even with the directive from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to remove ASUU from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) since December 2023, our members are still being paid via this obnoxious platform,” Abatcha stated.
ASUU also raised concerns about university autonomy, the proliferation of public universities, and the backlog of academic allowances totaling N50 billion, along with the withholding of three and a half months’ salaries for its members nationwide.
Abatcha expressed discontent over the removal of fuel subsidy without credible alternatives, causing severe hardship, and emphasized that ASUU aims to avoid compounding these challenges with further disruption of academic activities.
The union urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians by swiftly agreeing on and implementing an acceptable living wage for Nigerian workers, thereby alleviating widespread suffering.
The warning from ASUU comes amid ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and labour unions regarding a new minimum wage, underscoring the pressing need for proactive measures to avert potential strikes and ensure stability in the education sector.