The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the Federal Government’s recent release of ₦50 billion as earned allowances for university staff, describing the move as insufficient and lacking transparency.
The union, in a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, expressed displeasure at what it termed the “piecemeal” approach by the government in addressing long-standing financial commitments and welfare concerns of lecturers in federal universities.
“This release, while a step, is not only overdue but also grossly inadequate when compared to the volume of arrears owed to our members over the years,” ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said. “It also falls short of addressing the broader issues contained in our Memorandum of Action with the government.”
ASUU is demanding a comprehensive breakdown of the disbursement process and has called for a clear framework that ensures equitable distribution across all federal universities. The union warned that failure to meet these demands could result in industrial action.
The Federal Government, however, maintains that the ₦50 billion disbursement is part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of university staff and stabilize the academic calendar. A senior official in the Ministry of Education, who requested anonymity, noted that negotiations are still in progress to meet other demands raised by ASUU, including revitalization funds and renegotiated salary structures.
Stakeholders in the education sector are watching closely, wary of a potential disruption in academic activities should talks between the union and the government break down again.
Background:
ASUU has frequently clashed with the Federal Government over funding, unpaid allowances, and infrastructure decay in Nigeria’s public universities. These disputes have led to repeated nationwide strikes, severely affecting academic timelines and student progress.
source: authorityngr.com
