ASUU holds town Hall meeting, urges fed. Govt. to implement Prof. Nimi Briggs committee’s agreement.
ASUU, Federal University of technology Minna has called on the Well meaning Nigerians to prevail on the federal government of Nigeria to live up to its expectations by signing and immediately implement the Professor Nimi Brigs committee negotiated agreement.
This was handed down by the Union Chairman, Professor Gbolahan Bolarin in a Press conference in his office, Conference Hall, Minna 24/6/ 2024.
Professor Gbolahan stated that to avert strike action which is scheduled to commence in the next two weeks,in case agreement is not reached, urged the federal government to immediately commence payment of all withheld salaries, payment of promotion arrears and Earned Academic Allowances.
Other demands by the ASUU is a request for federal government to direct IPPIS to immediately release all third party deductions that are being held by them, federal and state government to stop proliferation of universities while review of NUC law is being initiated, and to immediately implement the exemption of universities from the discredited IPPIS.
Recall that ASUU embarked on a strike that lasted for eight months, February, to October 2022 to compel the federal government of Nigeria to live up to its responsibilities, the strike was suspended as a result of the Industrial Court injunction orchestrated by the then minister of Labour , Dr Chris Ngige.
Earlier the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Chairman of the Federal University of Technology, Minna convened a town hall meeting to sensitize students on the challenges faced by ASUU members and the strike that could commence in the next two weeks if the situation remains unresolved.
During the meeting, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin outlined the grievances of the union, stressing the negative impact of irregular and insufficient salary payments on the academic staff and, by extension, on the quality of education.
Professor Bolarin emphasized that the union’s commitment to the welfare of it members and its determination to take necessary actions, including the proposed strike, to press for their demands.
According to him,failure of the Federal Government to fulfill its salary obligations has put immense strain on the members.” We have reached a point where we must consider a strike to compel the government to address these issues. Our primary goal is to ensure that our members are treated fairly and that the educational system remains robust,” Prof. Bolarin stated.
The town hall meeting also featured remarks from the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Mr. Eze Christian,who appealed to both ASUU and the Federal Government to urgently resolve their differences in the interest of the students. Mr. Christian highlighted the adverse effects that continuous disruptions in academic activities have on students’ academic progress and future plans.
He stressed that Students Union Government ( SUG) understand the Challenges of lecturers (ASUU) and the legitimate demands being made. However, we plead with both parties to find common ground swiftly.
He observed that constant threat of strikes and disruptions in the academic calendar is detrimental to the students education pursuit, hence we urge for a resolution that allows us to continue our studies uninterrupted and graduate on time,Mr. Christian maintained.
He then called for dialogue and mutual resolutions between the Federal Government and ASUU to prevent the proposed strike and ensure a stable academic environment for students.
ASUU members reiterated their Preparedness to negotiate,with the hope for a favorable resolution that would address their concerns and promotes the welfare of the academic community.
