ASUU to Nigerians: Blame FG for Varsity Shutdown
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on Nigerians to hold the Federal Government accountable for the impending disruption in Nigerian universities that will start soon.
On Monday, the ASUU Benin Zone made this statement during a press conference at Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
Representing the various ASUU chairpersons from universities in the Benin zone, Zonal Coordinator Monday Igbafen expressed concerns that scholars are among the most neglected groups in Nigeria.
Igbafen stated, “We urge Nigerians not to blame ASUU but to hold the Federal Government accountable for the imminent disruption in Nigerian universities.”
“On behalf of the Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, I’d like to welcome you to this event.
The Benin zone of ASUU is made up of the University of Benin, Benin City; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
“We feel compelled to reach out again at this pivotal moment in the evolution of university education in Nigeria, as it has become evident that the Federal Government and its representatives are determined to further undermine academic activities in the nation’s universities.
“Since we halted our last strike in October 2022, the Federal Government has failed to meet its commitments to improve our unfavorable conditions of service. It has not yet signed the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, which we believe is crucial for resolving the current issues.
He continued, “The satisfactory and complete renegotiation of this Agreement and its successful execution are the only viable solutions to the degrading living and work conditions of staff, the ongoing issue of insufficient funding, and other governance challenges faced by universities in Nigeria.
“Currently, the Federal Government remains reluctant to settle years of owed promotion benefits, continues to pay only lip service to the need for adequate educational funding, and shows hesitance in releasing our withheld salaries for three and a half months, along with other deductions.
“It is shocking that in the face of rapidly rising costs of essential services and goods in Nigeria, university lecturers are left to confront the grim realities posed by a severely inadequate salary structure that they have endured for 16 long years. Nigerians should recognize that we are at a crucial juncture in the history of university education in the country, which is now on the edge of collapse.
“It is for this reason that we appeal to all concerned Nigerians, including students, parents, civil society groups, the media, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), influential figures, business leaders, and other stakeholders, to urge both the Federal and State Governments to uphold their agreements with ASUU and to prevent the educational sector from descending further into a state of decline and dysfunction.”
ASUU emphasized that its members are not eager to strike but have completely exhausted all other options, attributing the failing educational system to top government officials who send their children to study abroad.
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