ASUU Nsukka Zone Accuses FG of Dismissing Union's Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has criticized the Federal Government's lack of concern regarding the dete...

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nsukka Zone, has criticized the Federal Government's lack of concern regarding the deterioration of the education sector in the nation.

It criticized the federal government for being dishonest in dealing with the ongoing problems related to the union.

At a press conference organized at Benue State University in Makurdi on Thursday, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU from the Nsukka Zone, Comrade Christian Apata, criticized the Federal Government for intentionally undermining Nigeria's future by not finalizing the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement.

He stated that the ongoing delays and lack of genuine effort in tackling long-standing problems within the education system pose a risk to the country's progress.

The Nsukka Zone includes the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Benue State University, Makurdi; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Kogi State University; Federal University, Lokoja; Federal University, Wukari; and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.

He further criticized government officials for merely pretending to support education.

Apata stated that ASUU had participated in multiple discussions and entered into pacts with the government over more than ten years, but expressed disappointment that every attempt was hindered by intentional delays and partial execution of the agreed-upon conditions.

He stated, "The Federal Government is intentionally undermining the future of our country by only paying superficial attention to education. The sluggish progress and intentional delays in finalizing the renegotiation signal serious threats to our society."

Apata mentioned that the union chose to halt the recent warning strike because of the positive sentiment from Nigerians, students, parents, and labor organizations that urged for discussions.

Nevertheless, he voiced his disappointment that the government had not yet demonstrated a true dedication since the negotiations restarted.

Apata revealed that at the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Taraba State, members turned down the government's suggested salary adjustment, calling it "a small amount in comparison" and even less than what was previously presented and rejected in 2022.

He stated that either the government has misplaced its documents or is intentionally delaying, and cautioned that not finalizing the renegotiation within the one-month period could lead the university system into another cycle of turmoil.

The union also alleged that certain government officials misrepresented details regarding current discussions and portrayed the settlement of outstanding payments and withheld deductions as significant compromises.

He claimed that if the government does not examine the well-being of teachers and provide funding for public universities, the loss of skilled individuals will keep harming the education system.

In contrast to assertions about limited resources, Apata stated that the Federation's funding for both federal and state institutions has increased considerably from 2022 to 2024.

"It is not financial difficulties but the absence of political determination that has delayed the renegotiation process," he stated.

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