Gombe, Nigeria – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) staged a peaceful protest at Gombe State University (GSU) to voice their dissatisfaction with the federal government’s failure to address their demands, which have been pending for 15 years.
Professor Namo Aku Timothy, ASUU Zonal Coordinator, highlighted several grievances during an address to reporters. These include the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), the withholding of three months’ salaries, the absence of payment for promotion arrears, and the outright rejection of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Despite numerous Memorandums of Actions (MoAs) signed with the government since 2009, Aku lamented the government’s failure to fulfill its obligations. He emphasized the union’s willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve differences within two weeks. However, he issued a stern warning that failure to address their concerns promptly would compel the union to take “decisions with unpleasant consequences.”
Muhammad Muhammad Inti, vice chairperson of ASUU at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, echoed these sentiments during a separate protest. Inti cautioned the federal government to honor previously agreed-upon demands or risk facing another strike action.
The ongoing protests underscore the growing frustration among university faculty members regarding their working conditions and the government’s responsiveness to their needs. With negotiations ongoing and the threat of industrial action looming, the fate of higher education in Nigeria hangs in the balance.
