The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a potential strike action within the next two weeks if the Nigerian government fails to fulfill its agreements. This declaration was made by ASUU's Zonal Coordinator for the Calabar Zone, Comrade Happiness Uduk, during a press conference and protest at Abia State University, Uturu Main Campus.
Unfulfilled
Agreements with the Federal Government
Comrade
Uduk highlighted several unresolved issues between ASUU and the Federal
Government that have left the academic sector in dire straits. These include:
- Lack
of Salary Increment: ASUU members have
not received any salary increases.
- Outstanding
Salary Arrears: Lecturers are owed significant
back pay.
- Poor
University Funding: Insufficient funding
is crippling university operations.
- Non-Payment
of Earned Academic Allowances: Agreed-upon
allowances remain unpaid.
Rejection of
IPPIS and TSA
ASUU
firmly opposes the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS)
and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) implemented at Abia State University,
Uturu. The union also condemned the victimization of its members at Ebonyi
State University (EBSU).
Impact of High
Living Costs
The
union expressed concerns over the diminishing value of lecturers' wages due to
the high cost of living in Nigeria. This financial strain is exacerbating the
already challenging conditions for university staff.
Opposition to
Student Loan Packages
ASUU
rejected the Federal Government's student loan package, warning that it would
burden students with debt. The union insists that the government's approach
will enslave students financially.
ALSO READ: ASUU and Nigerian Government Hold Closed-Door Meeting Amid Looming Strike
Imminent Strike
Warning
"Universities
will be shut down for academic activities in the next two weeks if our
agreements are not met. Please take this message to them," Comrade Uduk
asserted.
Local ASUU
Leaders Echo Concerns
Dr.
Chidi Mba, ASUU Chairman at Abia State University, also spoke out against the
Treasury Single Account. He revealed that lecturers are owed between 11 and 14
months' salaries and criticized the slashing of wages for some workers. Dr. Mba
called on the Abia State government to increase funding for the university.
Calabar Zone
Universities
The
Calabar Zone of ASUU includes seven universities:
- University
of Calabar
- University
of Uyo
- Alex
Ekwueme University
- Abia
State University
- Ebonyi
State University
- Akwa
Ibom State University
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