The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government (FG) to implement the renegotiated agreements with the academic body, warning that failure to do so may lead to industrial action.
During a peaceful rally at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, ASUU Chairperson Prof. Michael Chikezie Ugwuene emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that immediate government intervention is essential to prevent further disruptions in the university system, Hitvibz reports.
Ugwuene highlighted that ASUU’s grievances stem from the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement with the FG.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly address these longstanding issues to prevent the further decline of Nigerian universities.
Key Components of the 2009 Agreement
The agreement, signed into law in October 2009, covers four major areas:
1. Condition of Service
2. Funding
3. University Autonomy
4. Academic Freedom
Ugwuene detailed several critical issues, including:
– Inadequate funding for universities
– Insensitivity towards lecturers’ welfare
– Withholding of salaries
– Politicization of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)
– Non-payment of promotion and minimum wage arrears
He also pointed out violations of university autonomy through the implementation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), dissolution of governing councils, imposition of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard, and the unchecked establishment of public and private universities.
The Vision vs. Reality
The agreement was intended to create a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research, aiming to combat brain drain and attract global talent to Nigerian universities.
However, Ugwuene lamented that this vision remains unfulfilled as successive governments have failed to uphold the agreement, compromising the integrity of public universities.
ASUU at MOUAU urged the President to address these issues promptly, stressing that such action is vital to elevate Nigerian universities to compete on the global stage.
Failure to act, they warned, could lead to dire consequences for the country’s educational system.
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Last Updated on June 28, 2024 11:01 pm by Hitvibz Media
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