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| Asuu Criticizes federal Government Over Unpaid Salaries and Appointments |
ASUU Criticizes Federal Government Over Unpaid Salaries and Appointments
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the federal government for its delayed payment of outstanding salaries and appointments of aged individuals to tertiary institution governing councils.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Alex Akanmu, Chairman of the University of Ilorin branch of ASUU, expressed frustration over the government's "unjustifiable delay" in paying the outstanding balance of three and a half months of withheld salaries. He also criticized the appointment of octogenarians to drive the development agenda of tertiary institutions, stating that it is "barbaric and unacceptable."
Akanmu noted that the delay in payment mirrors the government's attempt to frustrate the commitment and dedication of academic staff, who have continued to fulfill their responsibilities despite the challenges. He emphasized that the union demands the payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and the mainstreaming of salaries, as captured in the 2023 Budget.
The union has commenced consultations and mobilizations across branches nationwide to pressure the federal government to fulfill their demands. Akanmu berated the government's insensitivity towards ASUU's demands, despite various agreements reached but not fulfilled.
The union also expressed disappointment over the government's handling of the economy and its anti-labour traits, citing the irregularities in appointments to university governing councils and the removal of subsidies on essential commodities.
Key Demands:
Payment of outstanding salaries and EAA
Mainstreaming of salaries as captured in the 2023 Budget
Signing and execution of the Briggs report
Proper funding and revitalization of tertiary institutions
Key Quotes:
Octogenarians cannot drive the development agenda of 24th-century tertiary institutions."
The government's delay in payment is an attempt to frustrate our commitment and dedication."
We shall overcome with joint efforts to rescue our country."