The Academic Staff Union of Universities has called on the Federal Government to cease the alleged victimization of its members in public universities across Nigeria, urging the fulfillment of agreements made to improve the state of education in the country.
According to The PUNCH, ASUU Zonal Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Yabo, criticized the government’s failure to address issues agreed upon in the 2009 Nimi Briggs Agreement, which led to the suspension of the union’s 2022 strike.
“Despite the memorandum of action signed between ASUU and the Federal Government, key aspects remain unaddressed. These include the release of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, payment of salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System,” Prof. Yabo said.
He also highlighted the government’s failure to release outstanding third-party deductions, such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions, as well as funding for the revitalization of public universities as outlined in the 2023 budget.
Instead of honoring the agreements, Prof. Yabo alleged that the government, in collaboration with some state university officials and vice-chancellors of federal institutions, has subjected ASUU members to victimization and emotional distress.
“The government and university administrators, who should be safeguarding the public university system, have now become agents of its destruction,” he stated.
The union further expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions for both teaching and learning, attributing the worsening environment to what they described as “unpopular policies” by governments at various levels.
ASUU emphasized that the government’s neglect of the education sector has made it difficult for universities to operate effectively.
“We are also alarmed by the behavior of some overzealous vice-chancellors who, intoxicated by power, have resorted to tyranny and the victimization of innocent ASUU members,” Yabo added.
The union called on university administrators to adopt more respectful and professional attitudes toward academics, urging them to follow global best practices in their dealings with faculty members.
ASUU concluded by calling on the Federal Government to “abandon its anti-intellectual stance” and treat public universities with the dignity and respect they deserve. Prof. Yabo stressed the critical role that public universities play in the country’s future.
“The survival of this nation is intrinsically linked to the survival of its public universities. Let them breathe, Mr. President,” he concluded.
The ASUU Sokoto Zone includes institutions such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Umaru Musa Yaradua University Katsina, and Sokoto State University, among others.
