The Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has deplored the Federal Government’s alleged shaky posture toward robust engagements that could guarantee improved funding of universities and conditions of service for a productive and competitive university system.
The branch chairman, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, at a press briefing, accused the government of unwillingness to do all that is required to maintain industrial harmony in the universities.
He advised that to avert a nationwide strike by ASUU in the event of lack of agreement, the government should urgently commence the payment of all withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and earned academic allowances.
Bolarin urged the government to also direct IPPIS to immediately release all third-party deductions “criminally being held,” in addition to the stoppage of the proliferation of universities, while a review of the NUC law should be initiated, as well as, the immediate implementation of exemption of universities from the contentious IPPIS, among others.
Recalling that ASUU embarked on an eight-month-long strike in 2022 to compel the government to live up to its responsibilities, he added that the industrial action was suspended following the Industrial Court injunction obtained by then Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige.
The FUT ASUU chair had earlier convened an interactive session with stakeholders and the university community to sensitise students to the challenges faced by lecturers, and the looming strike that could hold in the next few weeks if the situation remains unresolved.
The town hall meeting featured remarks from the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Eze Christian, who appealed to both ASUU and the Federal Government to urgently resolve their differences in the interest of students.
Bolarin implored President Bola Tinubu to immediately meet with the leadership of the union so that both parties could undertake honest interrogation of the issues, while also calling on state governments to stop meddling in the activities of state universities and embark on positive action that would protect them sustainably.
Also, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU) Branch has mobilised stakeholders across sectors to seek alternative solutions to problems facing the university system. The branch chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Inuwa, said that the town hall meeting was to call attention of stakeholders to happenings between the ASUU and the Federal Government. He said the forum was also an avenue to get feedback and advice on how to go about “our struggles.”
