- ASUU criticizes President Tinubu for neglecting university education and deems recent salary increases for academic staff inadequate
- ASUU expresses concern over the delay in appointing governing councils for federal universities and criticizes the dissolution of existing councils
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting the state of university education in Nigeria.
In a press briefing held at the ASUU headquarters in the University of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed dissatisfaction with the recent salary increases for professors and other academic staff within the university system, citing them as inadequate.
The remarks followed resolutions from ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting, which was held over the weekend at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
ASUU voiced concern over President Tinubu’s delay in appointing federal university governing councils, labelling the dissolution of existing councils as “illegal” and contrary to established university principles.
Furthermore, ASUU criticized the government’s failure to uphold the 2009 agreement reached with ASUU, particularly in implementing salary payments through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Prof. Osodeke emphasized ASUU’s intention to reconvene its National Executive Council within two weeks to evaluate the situation and determine appropriate action.
He stated, “We demand the reinstatement of Governing Councils whose terms have not yet expired and the constitution of new councils for those whose terms have lapsed to ensure the proper functioning of our universities.”
ASUU reiterated its commitment to upholding academic standards and warned of potential industrial action if the government fails to address the grievances promptly.
“If this issue escalates into an avoidable industrial crisis, the Federal and State governments must bear full responsibility,” Prof. Osodeke concluded.