x

Lecturers Demand Conclusion of FGN/ASUU Re-negotiation Agreement

By Milcah Tanimu

Public university lecturers in Nigeria have remained on the same salary schedule since 2009, a period when the naira-dollar exchange rate was N120, according to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Speaking at a press conference in Abraka, Delta State, Professor Monday Igbafe, the Benin zonal president of ASUU, highlighted the unresolved issue surrounding the FGN/ASUU Re-negotiation Agreement of 2009, which has been in draft form since 2021.

Igbafe expressed concern over the stagnation of salaries for lecturers, stating that the current remuneration is significantly undervalued, with a professor earning approximately $400 per month in today’s Nigeria.

He emphasized that the key demand from ASUU is the conclusion of the re-negotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement. Igbafe noted the prolonged delay in finalizing this agreement, which commenced in 2017 and reached a draft stage in 2021 under the Professor Briggs-led Committee.

However, the draft agreement has yet to be approved by the government, with the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, allegedly playing a role in obstructing its approval.

Igbafe stressed the importance of concluding and implementing the renegotiated agreement to address the deteriorating living and working conditions of university staff, as well as the funding challenges and governance issues facing public universities in Nigeria.

He called on the government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, to prioritize the review and signing of the renegotiated draft agreement to demonstrate seriousness and provide hope for Nigerian academics and public universities.

Warning against further delays, Igbafe asserted that any procrastination on this matter would invite crisis within the academic sector.

Furthermore, Igbafe criticized the recurring trend of illegal dissolution of governing councils in public universities, highlighting the negative impact on university governance and policies. He cited Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, as an example of a state university where the absence of a governing council for three years has led to disruptions in university operations and governance.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

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...

A’Ibom Lawmaker, Edidem, lauds Tinubu over Akpabio’s SSDC appointment

By Ogenyi OgenyiDeputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom Assembly,...

Dr. Uduak Silas Obot Laid to Rest in His Country Home

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaThe remains of Dr. Uduak Silas Obot,...

Bayelsa Governor Lauds Security Agencies for Synergy

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaBayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has...

Bayelsa Cult Attack Claims Two Lives

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaTwo Niger Delta University graduates were brutally...

B’Haram: Zulum approves 35 patrol vehicles, motorcycles for Borno community

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaBorno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum,...

Adulterated soya beans oil producing factory discover in Kaduna

By Achadu Gabriel, kadunaApparently owing to severity of hardship...

Judge Faces Compulsory Retirement for Misconduct in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaAn area court Judge, Alemeru Adekunle...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img