ASUU Bemoans Loss of 46 Members, Cites Economic Hardship and Unfavourable Working Conditions

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Abuja zone has expressed deep concern over the demise of 46 of its members, attributing the deaths to economic hardship, inadequate remuneration, and unfavorable working conditions. Salahu Muhammed, the 1st zonal coordinator of ASUU, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Muhammed highlighted the challenges faced by academics, emphasizing that economic hardships, psychological stress, and diseases related to these conditions have contributed to the loss of several union members. He cited the recent death of Professor Johnson Oyero, an esteemed Fisheries professor at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who passed away due to an inability to afford quality medical facilities.

The zonal coordinator expressed concern about the increasing number of Nigerian academics leaving the country in search of better opportunities, putting additional strain on those who remain within the system. He underscored the impact of poor remuneration and working conditions on the patriotism and morale of academics.

Moreover, Salahu Lawal, the 2nd ASUU Abuja Zonal Coordinator, criticized the federal government for withholding salaries during the eight-month strike in 2022. Despite President Tinubu’s order for the release and payment of withheld salaries, some members reportedly received only two months’ pay out of the seven and a half months owed.

Lawal decried the government’s failure to implement the exemption of federal universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), despite the Minister of Education’s announcement in December 2023. He called for the immediate implementation of the Professor Nimi Briggs committee renegotiation agreement and urged the government to address the salary award promptly.

The union emphasized the need for government officials to fulfill promises and demonstrate political will to address the challenges facing academics, emphasizing that the continued delay and lack of implementation further weaken the trust between ASUU and the government.