The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has urged the federal government to respect university autonomy and end the imposition of policies that undermine academic freedom.
In a statement in Calabar, ASUU zonal coordinator, Calabar zone, Comrade Ikechukwu Igwenyi alleged that there have been several imposition of policies which hampered fluidity of academic progress.
He demanded immediate release of their three and half months outstanding salaries and all withheld salaries, refund of all 3rd Party deductions, and payment of all arrears of promotion.
ASUU also demanded payment of outstanding 25-35% wage award with consequential adjustments, adequate budgetary allocation to education, and sustainable funding of Nigerian Universities.
“We demand the completion of renegotiation and full implementation of agreements with timelines, as well as fair remuneration and improved work conditions for academic staff to curb the exodus of talent,” ASUU stated.
Igwenyi and nine others further stated, “We gave the government a four-week ultimatum to address these issues, warning that it will not hesitate to invoke industrial action if the demands are not met.
“We shall remain unbowed in our resolve on embarking on industrial action, unbroken, and unwavering in this just struggle if our demands are not met.”
The union insisted that education is a right for all citizens, adding that it is the responsibility of the government to exhibit political will to ensure that the education sector is adequately funded.
