By Our Reporter
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University, Gashua branch in Yobe State, has urged the Federal Government to resolve ongoing issues affecting universities to prevent further disruption of academic activities.
Branch Chairman Melemi Abatcha, speaking in Damaturu, highlighted key concerns such as funding for the revitalization of Nigerian public universities and the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
“Key issues include funding for the revitalization of Nigerian public universities, which encompasses improved infrastructure, conducive teaching and learning environments, accommodation for students and staff, and equipping laboratories and libraries. Despite directives from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to remove ASUU from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) platform since December 2023, members are still being paid through this problematic platform,” Abatcha stated.
Additional issues include university autonomy, the proliferation of public universities, a backlog of academic allowances totaling N50 billion, and withheld salaries for three and a half months.
Abatcha also noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy without credible alternatives has exacerbated hardships, emphasizing that ASUU does not wish to worsen the situation with another academic disruption.
The union called on the Federal Government to demonstrate sensitivity to Nigerians’ plight by promptly agreeing to and implementing a living wage for workers, alleviating widespread suffering.
This warning comes amid ongoing disputes between the Federal Government and labor unions over a new minimum wage.