The nation’s public institutions are allegedly being victimised, and the Academic Staff Union of institutions has urged the Federal Government to put an end to this.
To allow public colleges to continue to exist, the union demands that all levels of government particularly the federal government fulfill all of their commitments to the union. Prof.
Abubakar Yabo, the union’s zonal chairman, said the memorandum of action signed by the union and the Federal Government resulted in the suspension of their 2022 strike, which was a part of the 2009 Nimi Briggs agreement. He made this statement on Saturday while speaking to reporters at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Press Centre in Sokoto.
“Some of the agreements include the release of withheld three and a half months salary owing to the 2022 strike action, as well as the release of unpaid salaries for personnel on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments impacted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
“Others include the release of outstanding third party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions, funding for revitalisation of public universities captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, among others,” according to him.
ASUU claimed that rather than addressing what was mutually agreed upon, the government, through some visitors to some state universities, in collaboration with some vice-chancellors of some federal universities and their Governing Councils, has resulted in victimisation and outright emotional assault on its members.
“The union expresses disgust that the government and university administrators, who are tasked with maintaining the integrity of the public university system and safeguarding its truth, are actively contributing to its disintegration,” the statement continued.
The union further revealed that “the government has a duty to protect and respect academic freedom because the current economic hardships caused by the unpopular policies of governments at all levels have made teaching and learning environment so unconducive and unbearable.”
“Some overzealous university Vice Chancellors in the zone who have become intoxicated with power and, thus, resort to the unwholesome antics of tyranny and victimisation of innocent members of our union,” the union stated in a statement, expressing amazement at their attitude.
“The zone hereby calls on the concerned universities to treat university academics with the decorum they deserve and to tread the path of civility and global best assigned.”
It did, however, urge the federal government to abandon its anti-intellectual stance and treat public universities with dignity and respect by implementing its agreement with the union. “The existence of our nation is inextricably linked to the fate of public colleges.
“Let them breathe, Mr. President,” he added. The ASUU Sokoto zone includes Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Umaru Musa Yaradua University Kastina, Katsina State University of Science and Technology, Sokoto State University, and Federal University Dustin-ma. Other institutions include Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Federal University Gusau, Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto, and Federal University Zuru.
Bottom Line
The call by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the Federal Government to stop victimizing its members underscores the long-standing tension between the union and the government over unmet agreements.
ASUU’s grievances, as outlined by Prof. Abubakar Yabo, point to unresolved issues stemming from the 2009 Nimi Briggs agreement and the suspension of the 2022 strike, which was based on promises made by the government.
These issues include unpaid salaries, withheld wages from sabbatical staff, and delays in funding for public university revitalization.
ASUU’s claims of victimization reflect a deeper frustration with the perceived disregard for academic freedom and autonomy.
The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has been a point of contention for years, seems to have contributed to a system where university staff feel undermined.
The union’s assertion that some university administrators are actively contributing to the disintegration of the public university system through “tyranny and victimization” suggests that internal university politics, combined with external government pressures, are creating a hostile environment for lecturers.
