ASUU’s Plea to President Tinubu: ‘Let Lecturers Breathe, Do Not Suffocate Us’

ASUU’s Plea to President Tinubu: ‘Let Lecturers Breathe, Do Not Suffocate Us’

As President Bola Tinubu marks his first year in office, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, voices its discontent, claiming the celebration is marred by unfulfilled promises. The union’s Zonal Coordinator, Raphael Amokaha, expressed disappointment during a press briefing at Benue State University, Makurdi.

Amokaha criticized the government’s failure to address key issues such as the poor funding of universities, breaches of university autonomy, nonpayment of earned academic allowances, and withheld salaries. He emphasized that the expectations of the academic community were far from being met, and the looming threat of another strike hangs over the nation’s universities.

The ASUU leader called for immediate action on the draft renegotiated 2009 agreement, stressing the urgency due to the country’s hyperinflation. He also demanded the payment of eight months’ withheld salaries, which have depreciated in value due to the economic downturn.

Amokaha concluded by urging President Tinubu to ensure that appointments to university governing councils are based on merit and experience, not political loyalty, highlighting the need for respected figures like Professors Attahiru Jega, Olu Obafemi, and Munzali Jibril to be treated with propriety.