By Ebele Ofodile
The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) has issued a stern warning to the federal government of Nigeria, threatening to embark on industrial action if its demands are not met. The union’s ultimatum comes on the heels of several unmet demands, including unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and inadequate funding for universities.
According to the union, the federal government has failed to conclude the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which has resulted in poor salaries and benefits for lecturers. ASUU NAU has called for the immediate conclusion of this process by signing the draft agreement. Additionally, the union demands the immediate release of 3½ months’ salary arrears for 2022, payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, and release of third-party deductions.
The union also seeks payment of promotion arrears to members who have been promoted but have not received their arrears. Furthermore, ASUU emphasizes the need for sustainable funding of universities, calling for an education budget of at least 26% of the national budget.
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Carol Arinze Umeobi, speaking through Pius Okoye, a member of the governing council, lamented the suffering that lecturers have endured since 2019, noting that some have lost their lives during strikes. Umeobi expressed frustration over the federal government’s lack of commitment to addressing the union’s demands.
The lecturers’ placards, which read “Stop suffering University lecturers,” “Blame Federal government for another long strike,” “Lecturers’ dignity matters,” “End poverty-level salary,” and “Pay our 3½ months’ salaries,” underscore the gravity of the situation.
If the demands are not met, ASUU warns that it may lead to industrial action, affecting the academic calendar and the overall education system in Nigeria. The threat of a strike has raised concerns about the future of education in the country, and it remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to the union’s demands.
