Charles Esther
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has dismissed the Federal Government’s Tertiary Institution Staff Support Loan Scheme (TISSLS), describing it as a mere ploy to divert attention from the long-delayed renegotiated agreement with university workers.
The loan scheme, recently launched by the government, offers academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions interest-free loans of up to ₦10 million.
ASUU Condemns Loan as “Slavish”
Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo on Monday, Comrade Ikechuku Igwenyi, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU in Calabar, flanked by leaders of eight chapters in the zone, said it was “insulting” for government to offer loans to a workforce it has continued to neglect.
He questioned how a government that owes salaries, refuses to implement the 2009 agreement, and operates with an outdated pay structure could suddenly present a loan scheme as a form of welfare.
“This is nothing short of a slavish gesture,” he declared.
Questions on Funding and Repayment
Igwenyi wondered which salary structure would support repayment of such loans and where government planned to source funds for the initiative.
He accused the government of trapping students with the controversial NELFUND loan scheme and now attempting to shackle their parents with another “poisoned chalice.”
Government’s Tactics of Distraction
According to ASUU, each time the union pushes for dialogue on unmet demands, the government introduces distractions such as new renegotiation panels, IPPIS, salary awards, palliatives, or loan schemes.
“These are mere teasers and blackmails designed to derail genuine engagement,” Igwenyi said.
Key Grievances of Lecturers
The union highlighted several unresolved issues, including:
- Outdated salary structure (unchanged for 17 years).
- Non-payment of arrears and deductions.
- Obsolete infrastructure and poor learning conditions.
- Proliferation of universities without sustainable funding.
- Government interference and intimidation in university affairs.
ASUU’s Demands
ASUU called for the immediate signing and implementation of the draft renegotiated 2009 agreement and its adoption by state-owned universities.
Other demands include:
- Release of three and a half months’ outstanding salaries.
- Payment of third-party deductions.
- Settlement of promotion arrears.
- Integration of EAA into salaries.
- Review of the NUC and TETFund Acts to ensure funds serve academic purposes.
