ASUU Laments Economic Hardship Leading to Death of 46 Members in Abuja
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, has raised alarm over the dire economic conditions and poor remuneration faced by its members, leading to the death of 46 academics in universities under the Abuja zone. Salahu Muhammed, the 1st zonal coordinator of ASUU, Abuja zone, revealed this during a briefing in Abuja.
The deceased academics were from institutions including the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, and Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai. Among them was an eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero, from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who passed away due to the inability to access quality medical facilities.
Muhammed expressed concern over the exodus of Nigerian academics seeking better opportunities abroad, leaving behind overworked and demoralized colleagues due to poor remuneration and working conditions. He highlighted the psychological and emotional stress faced by academics, leading to diseases and eventual loss of life.
The 2nd ASUU Abuja Zonal Coordinator, Salahu Lawal, criticized the Federal Government’s response to the withheld salaries of ASUU members during an eight-month strike in 2022. Despite President Tinubu’s order for the release of withheld salaries, Lawal revealed that some members received only two months’ salary out of the seven-and-a-half-month arrears, with many yet to receive anything.
Lawal also condemned the delay in implementing the exemption of Federal Universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), despite approval by the federal Executive Council in December 2023. He attributed the delay to a lack of political will and called for the immediate implementation of salary awards and payment of arrears as per the Professor Nimi Briggs committee renegotiation agreement.
The ASUU representatives urged the Federal Government to address these issues promptly to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence in the education sector.
