The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Tinubu government, citing severe hardships faced by its members, which they claim has resulted in the deaths of 84 lecturers. The union has expressed deep concern over the ongoing economic challenges, including inadequate funding for education, rising costs of living, and the impact of these issues on the health and wellbeing of its members.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke has voiced serious concerns over the dire conditions facing Nigerian lecturers, revealing that 84 academics have died within just three months due to the hardships they face. In a recent interview, he criticized the government for withholding salaries and failing to adequately fund the education sector, which he believes is crucial for motivating lecturers and ensuring effective university operations.
Osodeke highlighted the impact of rising costs, including fuel and electricity, on the lives of academics, noting that despite his experience as a professor for 15 years, his salary remains only N420,000 monthly. He stressed that without better pay, Nigerian lecturers cannot compete on a global scale.
The 14-day ultimatum issued by ASUU on September 25, 2024, demands the resolution of several pressing issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the payment of all withheld salaries from the 2022 strike. While President Bola Tinubu approved the release of four months’ back pay in October 2023, ASUU insists that the full eight months’ wages owed must be paid.
Osodeke’s comments underscore the growing frustration within the academic community, particularly as non-academic unions like SSANU and NASU are still awaiting their payments. The government’s proposed half-pay solution for these unions has added to the tension, as ASUU maintains that full payment is a rightful demand. The next steps from the government will be crucial in addressing these issues and preventing potential disruptions in the academic calendar.