The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Abuja zone revealed that it has mourned the loss of 46 members due to the prevailing economic challenges in the country, coupled with inadequate remuneration for academics and universities within the zone.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, February 19, 2024, in Abuja, the Abuja Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Salihu Muhammed Lawal, highlighted the dire situation faced by academics, including harsh working conditions, psychological stress, emotional strain, and illnesses linked to poor working environments. Lawal cited the recent passing of an esteemed Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero, from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, as an example of the consequences of the inability to access quality healthcare due to financial constraints.
The 46 deceased academics hailed from various institutions, including the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, and Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai, Niger State. Lawal emphasized that in recent years, a growing number of Nigerian academics have opted to seek better opportunities abroad, leaving behind a dwindling number of patriotic individuals who struggle with inadequate pay and working conditions.
Lawal expressed disappointment over the federal government’s decision to pay only a fraction of the withheld salaries, which amounted to an incomplete two-month payment out of the seven and a half months owed to ASUU members. Despite President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s directive to release and pay the withheld salaries, Lawal reported that many members had received only a fraction of what was owed, while others had not received anything at all.
He urged the federal government to honor and implement the renegotiation agreement proposed by the Prof Nimi Briggs committee and promptly settle all outstanding salary arrears, promotion bonuses, and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). Additionally, Lawal called for the immediate implementation of a 25% and 35% salary increase, along with the payment of arrears dating back to January 2023.
