The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has turned down the salary raise suggested by the Federal Government, calling it ...
The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has turned down the salary raise suggested by the Federal Government, calling it just a "drop in the ocean," especially since lecturers have not experienced a significant salary adjustment in 15 years.
The Zonal Coordinator, Prof Monday Igbafen, mentioned that the proposal obstructed the intended reversal of the brain drain currently impacting Nigeria's university system.
He condemned the Federal Government for showing "a clear reluctance to swiftly and comprehensively settle all unresolved matters," calling on the government to finalize the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement and tackle other unresolved problems.
The union had previously initiated a two-week strike as a warning to urge the Federal Government to address its longstanding requests.
The union's main concerns involve the complete execution of the 2009 FGN/ASUU accord, settling unpaid promotion arrears that go back to 2017, releasing third-party deductions, and distributing the N50bn revitalisation fund said to have been set aside for universities.
The walkout was paused temporarily following guarantees from high-ranking government representatives that specific suggestions would be submitted.
Refusing the suggested raise for instructors, Prof Igbafen stated, “The aspects of salary and working conditions continue to be a major issue that requires a thorough solution to prevent the approaching crisis in the system.”
We have turned down the government's suggested salary hike, as it is just a small amount that cannot bring about the necessary change to reverse the ongoing brain drain issue affecting university education in the nation.
We are declaring that enough is enough regarding the Federal Government's back-and-forth approach to negotiations. This lackluster effort needs to end immediately. Engaging with ASUU without achieving outcomes must cease.
Professor Igbafen pointed out that academic salaries in Nigeria have stayed mostly the same since 2009, when the currency rate was N120 per dollar.
It is unfortunate that a professor's monthly salary in present-day Nigeria falls below $400, representing a disgraceful undervaluation of the country's academic professionals.
"Continuing to stay under the same salary system for over 15 years without a substantial review is not only cruel and inhumane but also leads to resistance, industrial unrest, and loss of skilled personnel," he further stated.
He blamed government officials, including the education minister, for hindering the negotiation process by making "subtle distortions of issues and agreements, such as the so-called government proposals and their execution, particularly concerning the partial payment of promotion back pay that goes all the way back to 2017, and the release of third-party deductions, which are part of our members' unpaid benefits over many years."
He stated, "They have wrongly depicted these as fundamental or significant matters, whereas, at most, they are just confidence-building actions that should not be presented as the key issues in the negotiation."
The outcome of this deceit is that the federal government has been providing partial truths to the public regarding the negotiations, and this approach signals an unavoidable crisis.
Professor Igbafen called on the government to address the problems within the remaining one-month period to prevent an impending shutdown.
Our government must recognize the unchangeable truth that no amount of investment in the education of its people is excessive, as it forms the foundation of any society striving for progress.
"The government's repetitive claims regarding limited funds or the global economic crisis as a reason for not providing sufficient support to the education sector is no longer acceptable given the current economic situation," he stated.
The regional coordinator emphasized Nigeria's enhanced financial outlook, pointing out that federal and state incomes have increased substantially in recent years.
The 2024 figure stood at N5.81tn, indicating a remarkable rise of more than 62 per cent.
"Likewise, our union is informed that the Federal Government received N4.65tn in 2024, marking a massive rise of more than 70 per cent," Prof Igbafen further stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
