The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sounded the alarm over the increasing number of Nigerian academics facing life-threatening ailments and stress-related health issues due to deteriorating working conditions and pauperization.
The union attributed this situation to unfulfilled promises by the government and the challenging economic climate in the country.
Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, the National President of ASUU, expressed deep concern during a press conference held at the end of the National Executive Council meeting of the union at Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State.
He highlighted the comprehensive review conducted by ASUU on the state of its engagements with the Federal and State Governments, focusing on improving the conditions in Nigeria’s public universities.
Osodeke revealed that reports received by the union regarding unmet promises by the government, particularly under the Tinubu-led administration, have had a detrimental impact on the well-being of academics.
He emphasized that the union’s demand for negotiated salaries with the Federal Government is grounded in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No.98, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining.
The ASUU president highlighted the stark reduction in the salary of the highest-paid professor to a meagre $210, which he deemed one of the lowest globally.
“Despite the 34 per cent and 25 per cent unilateral awards by the Buhari administration, activated through the National Wages, Salaries, and Income Commission (NWSIC), the promised improvements remain unfulfilled a year later,” he said.
Osodeke criticized the indifference of the Nigerian ruling class to the implications of the ongoing pauperization of academics for the country’s future.
ASUU called on the Tinubu administration to initiate reviewing and signing the negotiated draft agreement led by Nimi Briggs as a gesture of goodwill and hope for Nigeria’s public universities.
The union stressed that there is no justification for withholding lecturers’ salaries, viewing it as a deliberate attempt by the ruling class to undermine and ridicule them.
Osodeke noted that Nigerian academics have compensated for lost time by covering two academic sessions within the strike period.
Expressing dismay, the ASUU leader questioned how a government that previously raised hopes for lecturers continues to deprive them of comfort by withholding their entitlements.
