By Milcah Tanimu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, expressed discontent over the lack of fulfillment of promises by the government, casting a shadow over President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office celebration. Speaking at Benue State University, Makurdi, ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Raphael Amokaha, highlighted the administration’s failure to renegotiate the 2009 Federal Government/ASUU agreement, citing various unmet expectations.
Amokaha outlined the grievances, including inadequate funding for universities, encroachment on university autonomy, specifically regarding the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System, outstanding academic allowances, and the withholding of four months’ salaries.
While acknowledging the President’s commitment to review university governing council appointments, ASUU cautioned against interpreting it as political favoritism. Amokaha emphasized the need for council members to possess integrity and experience in university administration.
In urging President Tinubu to address these issues, Amokaha emphasized the urgency of signing and implementing the renegotiated 2009 agreement, considering the country’s hyperinflation. Additionally, he called for the immediate payment of eight months’ withheld salaries to affected colleagues, stressing that their value had significantly depreciated over time.
Regarding the composition of governing councils, ASUU emphasized the importance of appointing individuals like Professors Attahiru Jega, Olu Obafemi, and Munzali Jibril, emphasizing merit over political allegiance.
ASUU’s message to Tinubu resonates with a plea for prioritizing educators’ welfare and upholding the integrity of university governance.
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