Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-20 09:51:42
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Abuja zone has recently disclosed that some of its members have tragically passed away due to economic hardship, poor remuneration, and unfavorable working conditions. The 1st Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Abuja zone, Salahu Muhammed, revealed this information during a press briefing in Abuja.
Mr. Muhammed expressed that a total of 46 academics from universities under the Abuja zone have lost their lives. These institutions include the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, and the Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai. The union recently mourned the loss of a prominent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero, from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who passed away due to the inability to afford quality medical facilities.
The coordinator emphasized that the poor remuneration and working conditions have led to an exodus of Nigerian academics seeking better opportunities abroad. He also highlighted the physical, psychological, and emotional toll on academics due to the challenging working conditions, leading to the loss of several members within the union.
Mr. Muhammed decried the fact that the Federal Government has only paid an amputated two-month salary out of the seven and a half month withheld salaries to the union members. This withholding of salaries occurred when the previous administration invoked a ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy on members who went on an eight-month strike in 2022.
In addition, the 2nd ASUU Abuja Zonal Coordinator, Salahu Lawal, raised concerns about the delayed implementation of the exemption of Federal Universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), despite its approval by the Federal Executive Council in December 2023. He criticized the lack of political will to carry out directives from the president and the FEC.
Mr. Lawal further called for the implementation of the Professor Nimi Briggs committee renegotiation agreement, including the immediate implementation of a 25% and 35% salary award and the payment of arrears from January 2023 till date.
The union urged the authorities involved to address these issues promptly and fulfill their promises to the lecturers. The failure to do so not only weakens the morale of the members but also creates a lack of trust in the government’s commitments.
The ASUU Abuja Zone called on the Federal Government to prioritize the well-being and working conditions of academics to prevent further loss of lives and ensure a conducive environment for teaching and research.
In conclusion, the union emphasized that addressing the challenges faced by academics is crucial for the development of the education sector in Nigeria. They urged the government to take urgent steps to rectify the issues raised and ensure a conducive and sustainable working environment for its members.
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