Charles Esther
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna) has criticized the federal government for failing to address the challenges facing Nigerian universities.
The union accused the government of negligence and a lack of goodwill in handling the education sector.
Chairman Voices Frustration
Speaking at a press conference held at the Gidan-Kwano main campus, the branch chairman, Professor Luqman ‘Kunle Oyewobi, expressed frustration over the federal government’s refusal to honor longstanding agreements.
He explained that the neglect has pushed universities into a dire situation, prompting peaceful protests across the country.
Key Issues Raised
Oyewobi outlined several unresolved matters, including the incomplete renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement, the withholding of three and a half months’ salaries, and arrears of one year’s 25%/35% wage award.
Other issues include four years of unpaid promotion arrears and unremitted third-party deductions for cooperatives and union levies.
Professors Earn Below $350 Monthly
The ASUU chairman lamented that a full professor at a public university currently earns less than $350 monthly, an amount far lower than what peers in neighboring countries receive.
He emphasized that the salary structure, last reviewed in 2009, has made Nigerian professors the least paid in Africa.
Lecturers Share Personal Struggles
Two senior professors, Akanya and Musa Galadima, who have served for 45 and 43 years respectively, also shared their frustrations.
Akanya said she would retire without being adequately rewarded, while Galadima decried the steady decline in conditions of service over the decades.
Call for Urgent Government Action
ASUU FUT Minna warned that failure to resolve the lingering issues may push the union into declaring an indefinite nationwide strike.
The lecturers urged the federal government to act swiftly, stressing that the strength of a nation depends on its intellectuals.
Solomon