28th June, 2024
During a news conference held on Friday at Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu, ASUU Calabar Zone Coordinator, Mrs. Happiness Uduk, emphasized that to prevent an imminent nationwide strike, the State and Federal Governments must address the union’s demands.
Uduk announced a two-week ultimatum for meeting these demands, warning that failure to do so would result in industrial action.
She expressed disappointment that the FG has not fulfilled its commitments under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, resulting in stagnation of salary scales and overall welfare.
She stated, “The government entered into an agreement with ASUU in 2009. For 15 years, ASUU members have been on the same salary scale without any changes. We urge the government to complete negotiations started over 13 years ago, first with the Babalakin-led team, then the Munzali-led team, and finally the Briggs-led team. Despite completed negotiations, the President has not engaged with us for a year now.”
Uduk urged the Federal and State Governments to address issues such as revitalization funds for public universities, payment of earned academic allowances and withheld salaries, high taxation, and victimization of ASUU members.
She also demanded the removal of ASUU members in federal universities from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), advocating instead for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution or a similar university-originated platform.
Regarding student financial support, she recommended replacing the FG’s student loan scheme with grants to alleviate financial stress and improve academic pursuits.
Uduk also called on the FG to halt the proliferation of universities and focus on better funding for existing institutions to enhance overall standards. Additionally, she advocated for a quick resolution of the minimum wage issue and the introduction of a living wage.
In Abia, Uduk urged the state government to pay the 11 months of salary arrears owed to lecturers at ABSU. “We are not negotiating any part of that salary because we have worked, taught students, examined them, and some have graduated,” she said. She also called for the discontinuation of the Treasury Single Account for paying ABSU lecturers’ salaries, citing recent inconsistencies.
She stated that some ASUU members at Ebonyi State University have been suspended for over two years without salary and called on the governor to reinstate these members.
Uduk stated that the ongoing discussions with stakeholders aim to encourage Nigerians to appeal to the government to act, warning that ASUU will go on strike in two weeks if demands are not met.
