x

Half Salaries: We Are Not Casual Workers, ASUU Tells FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says it is considering challenging the Federal Government in court for paying its members what it described as “so-called ‘pro-rata’ payment for 18 days as the October 2022 salaries of academic”.
The union also said the government’s so-called ‘pro-rata’ payment, is not only an aberration, but a contravention of all known rules of engagement in any contract of employment for academics the world over.

President of the union, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, who stated this after a marathon National Executive Council meeting which started on Monday and ended early Tuesday morning, argued that members of the union are not casual workers but intellectuals who cannot be paid on pro-rata basis.

Although the union leader silent on whether they would embark on another strike, he, however, appealed for the understanding of Nigerian students, parents and other genuinely concerned individuals and groups in the country.


Reading the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Osodeke said the government’s action to pay academics like casual workers, is unprecedented in the history of university oriented labour relations.
He said, “The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its eight-month strike on 14th October, 2022, in obedience to the order of the National Industrial Court and in further consideration of intervention efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, including the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The action of the Union was a display of manifest trust in the judiciary and other institutions and organs of government to always put national interest above all other considerations.
“This we believe, as a union of thinkers, intellectuals, and patriots, will not only aid the process of amicable resolution of the crisis, but will also set the tone for smooth industrial relations between Government and Nigerian workers at large.

“Unfortunately, the response of government towards ASUU’s demonstration of trust was the so-called ‘pro-rata’ payment for eighteen days as the October 2022 salaries of academics thereby portraying them as daily paid workers!
“This is not only an aberration, but a contravention of all known rules of engagement in any contract of employment for academics the world over.
“At an emergency meeting of the ASUU’s National Executive Committee (NEC), held on Monday, 7 November, 2022, the Union deliberated on developments since the suspension of the strike. NEC noted with dismay that paying academics on “pro-rata” basis, like casual workers, is unprecedented in the history of university oriented labour relations and therefore condemned this attempt to reduce Nigerian scholars to casual workers in its entirety.

“NEC commends the membership of ASUU for their perseverance in the face of untold hardship and unwarranted provocation by some notorious agents of the ruling class.

“NEC further appeals for the understanding of Nigerian students, parents and other genuinely concerned individuals and groups while the Union continues to pursue positive resolution of this avoidable crisis within the ambit of legality without compromising the interests and welfare of Nigerian intellectuals.”

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Former Plateau Governor’s Aide Calls for Unity in PDP Amid Internal Rifts

By Israel Adamu, Jos A media consultant to former Plateau...

Kaduna Journalist Decries Threats to Life Over Report on Security Raids

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Kaduna-based investigative journalist, Mr. Idibia U.A....

Sokoto State Flags Off Landmark Gas Cylinder Distribution Program

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration...

Advancing China-Africa Relations: Second Post-FOCAC Forum Holds in Abuja

The Centre for Contemporary Africa-China Research in Nigeria on...

Kaduna: Security Operatives Raid Hotels, Arrest Dozens of Suspects

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Security operatives, suspected to be members...

17 States Set to Celebrate Olympic Day Across Nigeria on June 28

As the June 28, 2025, Olympic Day approaches, 17...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img