ASUU Members Embark On Protest, Reject FG Loan Scheme

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the Federal Government’s continued neglect of their demands.

At the University of Jos, lecturers gathered for a demonstration before speaking to journalists, where they made it clear that they reject the newly introduced Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund loan scheme.

The ASUU branch chairperson, Joseph Molwus, described the loan scheme as a “poisoned chalice,” insisting it would only worsen the financial struggles of university staff instead of solving them.

According to him, lecturers need their unpaid salaries and allowances, not loans that would plunge them further into debt.

“How can the government ask us to borrow money to pay for healthcare, school fees and basic needs when it is still owing us withheld salaries, allowances, and arrears?” Molwus asked.

ASUU stressed that instead of introducing loans, the government should settle its outstanding commitments, which include earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, revitalisation funds, wage awards, and unremitted third-party deductions.

The union also criticised the government for failing to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, accusing it of abandoning collective bargaining despite several committees submitting reports over the years.

Molwus warned that the government’s inaction has left lecturers frustrated and that the relative peace in universities for the past two years is now in danger.

The ASUU chairperson warned that another prolonged strike could happen if urgent steps are not taken.

He reminded President Bola Tinubu of his 2022 campaign promise that there would be no university strikes under his leadership.

Two years into his administration, Molwus said, those promises remain unfulfilled, calling on the president to step in personally and work with ASUU leaders to prevent a fresh crisis in the education sector.

The protest in Jos was part of a larger nationwide action carried out by ASUU branches across Nigeria.

The union said it is still open to dialogue but warned that time is running out, stressing that unless the Government addresses the unresolved issues, another disruption in academic activities may be inevitable.

KanyiDaily recalls that Chris Piwuna, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, was recently elected the new ASUU President.