Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), at the Federal University of Technology, (FUT), Minna, held a townhall meeting and staged a peaceful protest on Monday, to drive home some of their demands and to warn of an impending strike if their demands are not met. The union said some of their demands include on-implementation of the re-negotiated FGN/ ASUU 2009 agreement, non-payment of budgeted Earned Academic Allowances Earned (EAAs) including non-payment of promotion arrears and non-release of third-party deductions as well as failure to implement the resolution of Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the exclusion of Universities from IPPS, among others.
Chairman of the union, Professor Gbolahan Bolarin, said the aim of the meeting was to intimate the students on the many challenges the union face and warn of a potential strike that may commence in two weeks. “The failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its salary obligations has put immense strains on our members. We have reached a point where we must consider a strike to compel the government to address these issues. Our primary goal is to ensure that our members are treated fairly, and that the educational system remains robust,” Professor Bolarin said.
At the townhall and in solidarity with their instructors were representatives of the student union led by the president, Christian Eze. Eze urged the federal government to respond swiftly to the demands of the lecturers, arguing that the students have the most to lose when lecturers and government clash. “We understand the concerns of ASUU, and the legitimate demands being made. However, we plead with both parties to find common ground to resolve the impasse between the Federal Government and ASUU members.
“The constant threat of strikes and disruptions in our academic calendar is detrimental to our education. We urge for an amicable resolution that allows us to continue our studies uninterrupted and graduate on time,” Eze said.
Shortly after the townhall meeting, the chairman and members of ASUU, FUT Minna chapter, stage a peaceful protest, displaying placards that carry some of their grievances.
We have fulfilled our duties diligently and expect the same commitment from the appropriate authorities concerned. Delaying our payments undermines our efforts and impacts the quality of education we can provide,” the chairman said.
