The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday urged Nigerians, particularly parents and students, to hold the Federal Government accountable for any upcoming strikes in public universities. The union emphasized that despite a series of promises made by President Bola Tinubu to address their demands, no concrete actions have been taken so far.
These positions were articulated at a protest rally by the ASUU University of Lagos (UNILAG) branch. The rally attracted significant support from UNILAG students who expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of their lecturers’ demands.
The protest rally commenced after a congress of ASUU-UNILAG members, who reiterated their support for the union’s stance on the unresolved demands. The lecturers and students carried various placards and voiced their discontent with the government’s lack of responsiveness. They danced to music played by a band, creating a lively atmosphere despite the seriousness of their grievances.
The protest procession moved through several roads on the campus and made a significant stop at the main gate. Here, different executives of the union laid out their demands and appealed to Nigerians to intervene before the situation escalates further.
Addressing the rally, the branch chairman of ASUU-UNILAG, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, explicitly told parents and students to hold the government responsible if the union resorts to another strike due to unmet promises. Prof. Adebayo stated that despite numerous negotiations, discussions, and letters since 2009, the government has remained unresponsive to their demands.
He said: “The struggle is not only for ASUU but for the university system. We no longer trust politicians, they promised and failed to fulfil. Don’t blame the union for another strike, hold the federal government responsible.”
Former branch chairman, Dr. Dele Ashiru, emphasized that the protest is one of ASUU’s efforts to draw the government’s attention to the myriad challenges facing the university system, particularly the lecturers. He highlighted the dire financial situation of the lecturers, noting that their current salaries are insufficient to cover their basic needs.
“We have written a series of letters to the government, met with government officials including the national assembly and gone on strikes and for 15 years, the issues remained unresolved. As of today, the take-home pay of Nigerian professors is about N600,000, which is not up to what lawmakers use for lunch or dinner.
“The federal government must address our demands and failure to implement them, we will not guarantee academic stability on campuses.
“We call on the Tinubu administration to pay the withheld salaries, outstanding earned academic allowance, stop payment of our salaries through IPPIS, pay deduction of third party dues and other demands of the union.
“We cannot guarantee smooth academic activities on our various campuses. If another round of strike should take place in the universities, the federal government should be held responsible. Our National Executive Council will certainly decide the next line of action.’’
Dr. Michael Oloyede, another member of the union, explained that university lecturers nationwide are facing numerous challenges. Many are struggling to provide for their families, pay school fees, and cover medical bills.
“If strike is the language the federal government understand, we will give it to them. Lecturers cannot continue to teach with an empty stomach. The government should fulfil the agreement signed with ASUU. The union cannot be oppressed.’’
Several students also expressed their support for their lecturers’ struggle for better working conditions. They urged the government to address the issues at hand to prevent another disruptive strike in the university system.
The protest highlighted the enduring frustration and dissatisfaction within the academic community. It underscored the critical need for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with ASUU and take concrete steps to resolve the longstanding issues affecting the Nigerian university system.
ASUU’s demands are not new. The union has been vocal about their grievances for over a decade. Key among their demands is the payment of withheld salaries, which have placed many lecturers in dire financial straits. Additionally, the union is calling for the release of outstanding earned academic allowances, which have been delayed for years.
A significant point of contention is the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), through which lecturers’ salaries are currently being paid. ASUU argues that this system is flawed and has led to numerous discrepancies in salary payments. They are demanding an alternative payment system that accurately reflects their earnings and deductions.
Moreover, the union is insisting on the payment of third-party deductions. These include dues to various cooperatives, welfare schemes, and other financial obligations that have not been remitted by the government. This failure to remit has caused significant hardship for many lecturers who rely on these deductions for their financial planning.
ASUU also wants a comprehensive review of the conditions of service for university lecturers. They argue that the current conditions are outdated and do not reflect the realities of modern academia. The union is pushing for a more competitive salary structure and better working conditions to attract and retain top talent in Nigerian universities.
The protest at UNILAG is a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by university lecturers across Nigeria. It highlights the deep-seated issues within the country’s higher education system and the urgent need for reform. The lecturers and students who participated in the protest are calling on the government to take immediate action to address their demands and prevent another round of strikes.
The ball is now in the government’s court. If they fail to act, they risk further destabilizing the already fragile university system. The protest at UNILAG serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis in Nigerian higher education and the urgent need for a resolution. It is a call to action for the government to engage with ASUU and work towards a sustainable solution that benefits both lecturers and students.
