ASUU tells Abuja, “it has reached a point that something must give way”
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“Our efforts are frustrated by the government. It has been seven years since we started renegotiation with the government. It has reached a point that something must give way. We either have an agreement or we don’t.
“We are tired of words and promises of action. Our members can only respond to action.
“We believe that the infrastructural decay, demoralised staff, cultism and quality of education in our universities can best be addressed through increased funding and improved remuneration for our members”– ASUU PresidentPiwuna.
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University lecturers have alerted Abuja to prepare for the consequences of failing to reach an agreement with them on their demands for improved welfare package, the lack of which has led to the exodus of academics and other professionals from Nigeria.
“In the days and weeks ahead, the government should be ready to accept whatever they see,” warned Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President Christopher Piwuna, Professor.
He expressed frustration over the prolonged stalemate in negotiations with the Federal Government on key issues affecting lecturers and the education sector.
“We are tired of words and promises,” he reiterated, saying ASUU demands are clear and well-articulated, citing the 2009 agreement with the government that outlines conditions of service, autonomy, academic freedom, sustainable funding, and earned academic allowances, among others.
“Our efforts are frustrated by the government. It has been seven years since we started renegotiation with the government. It has reached a point that something must give way. We either have an agreement or we don’t.
“We are tired of words and promises of action. Our members can only respond to action.
“We believe that the infrastructural decay, demoralised staff, cultism and quality of education in our universities can best be addressed through increased funding and improved remuneration for our members.”
Piwuna stressed the need to also include non-teaching staff in salary reviews.
“Let me be clear, non-teaching staff of the university should be carried along as our salaries are reviewed. It will promote harmony and stabilise the system.”
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