NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES ON THE BRINK: ASUU-BUK DECRIES GOVERNMENT’S NEGLECT 21-06-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bayero University Kano (BUK) Branch, has Decries Government’s neglect on the Educational System of the country.
The Chairman of ASUU Bayero University Branch Professor Tijjani Siraj disclosed this during a media briefing Held at ASUU Secretariat Bayero University Kano.
The union condemned the government’s failure to fulfill promises made, leading to erosion of trust and worsening socio-economic conditions.
The Chairman highlighted core issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, funding for revitalization of public universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), removal of universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), payment of salary arrears, and the proliferation of public universities.
“Over the years, ASUU has consistently engaged governments on the gross under-funding of public universities, predicating its advocacies on scientifically established benchmark of annual budgetary requirements for education. ASUU strongly supports the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) benchmark that specifies 15-20% budgetary allocation to education sector.”
“Recall that the Tinubu-led administration illegally dissolved the Governing Councils of all federal universities sometime in May 2023. Being the supreme organ of the university, the dissolution of the Councils has created a serious administrative vacuum, hindered smooth functioning of the university system and enabled all sorts of illegality in the operation of our universities. ASUU vehemently condemns this brazen breach of the University Miscellaneous Act and earnestly calls for the reinstatement of the unlawfully dissolved Governing Councils.”
ASUU called on the government to address these issues, ensure sustainable funding, and restore the glory of Nigerian universities. The union urged the public to support their struggle for better funding and conditions in universities.