By O.V.Collins

In a recent press briefing held in Lagos, Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, the ASUU Coordinator for the Lagos Zone, issued a stern warning that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) might initiate another industrial action if the federal government fails to disburse the N170 billion earmarked in the 2023 budget for the revitalization of universities and address other critical concerns.

Prof. Odukoya stressed the imperative need for increased government investment and attention to public universities. The ASUU Lagos Zone, encompassing institutions such as the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), and others, highlighted unresolved issues including the non-allocation of agreed revitalization funds despite their inclusion in the 2023 Budget, unchecked expansion of universities without adequate financial support, protracted delays in renegotiating the 2009 Agreement, and the persistent reliance on the “misleading IPPIS” for salary payments.

Other concerns raised by Odukoya included delays in receiving Earned Academic Allowances, the use of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for university operations, incomplete payment of eight months of withheld salaries, failure to reinstate dismissed ASUU officials from LASU five years ago, and the non-disclosure of the university’s white paper from the 2021 Visitation Panel.

The union also criticised the “No-Work No-Pay” policy enforced by the previous administration, resulting in prolonged periods without salary for lecturers. Despite acknowledging a partial salary payment, ASUU deemed it insufficient and insensitive to the prevailing economic challenges.

Prof. Odukoya appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expeditiously address these issues to prevent another strike. ASUU further called for support from the media, labour movement, student organizations, and civil societies to strengthen efforts aimed at improving the public university system in Nigeria.

Support ACJ UNIBEN's goal of always bringing truth to light.

Excellent campus journalism requires financial support. Yet, it is this very journalism that contributes to an informed campus community, transparency in educational institutions, and an engaged student body. To continue offering free access to top-notch campus journalism, we invite you to consider making a modest contribution to this worthwhile endeavor. Your support for ACJ UNIBEN's campus journalism ensures its relevance and availability to all students, free of charge, fostering an informed and active campus community.

DONATE