The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, has reported the loss of 46 members as a result of the current economic challenges in the country, coupled with inadequate remuneration for academics and universities within the zone.
Salihu Muhammed Lawal, the Abuja Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, revealed this during a press briefing held on Monday, February 19, 2024, in Abuja.
He highlighted that the union has witnessed the demise of numerous members due to demanding work conditions, as well as psychological and emotional stress, along with illnesses associated with poor working environments.
“Indeed, just two days ago, the union mourned the loss of an esteemed Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero, from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who passed away due to the inability to access quality medical treatment,” Lawal stated.
The 46 deceased academics hailed from various institutions including the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, and Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State.
Lawal expressed concern over the increasing trend of Nigerian academics leaving the country in search of better opportunities, leaving behind those who remain in the system to shoulder heavier workloads amidst declining levels of patriotism due to poor remuneration and working conditions.
He lamented that the federal government had only paid their members a fraction of their withheld salaries, equivalent to two months out of the seven and a half months owed.
Despite President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s directive for the release and payment of these salaries, Lawal noted that the value had significantly decreased to a quarter of its original amount from 2022.
Furthermore, he revealed that some members had only received two months’ worth of salary, while many others had not received any payment at all.
Lawal urged the federal government to both ratify and execute the renegotiation agreement proposed by the Prof Nimi Briggs committee without delay.
Additionally, he emphasized the urgent need for the government to promptly disburse all outstanding withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
Furthermore, Lawal advocated for the immediate implementation of a salary increase of 25 percent and 35 percent, as well as the settlement of corresponding arrears dating from January 2023 up to the present.
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