The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria branch has staged a peaceful protest in Zaria, Kaduna State, over alleged neglect by the Federal Government.
The union warned that the government would be responsible if they embark on a strike.
The lecturers accused the Federal Government of insincerity and neglect, which they say has exacerbated the living and working conditions of academic staff.
The protest rally, held on Friday, was led by the branch Chairman, Comrade Haruna Mohammed Jibril, who outlined the union’s demands.
Unmet Demands and Stalled Negotiations
Comrade Jibril emphasized the union’s key demands, which include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, funding for public university revitalization, and the payment of outstanding entitlements.
“The Federal Government has refused to renegotiate the ASUU/FGN 2009 agreement 15 years after it was signed,” Jibril stated.
He recalled that the union’s persistent calls for a review of the 2009 Agreement led the Federal Government to establish the Wale Babalakin-led Joint Renegotiation Committee in 2017.
However, the process was stalled for over two years due to irreconcilable differences, particularly Babalakin’s insistence on the reintroduction of the Education Bank, which would lead to exorbitant tuition fees for students.
Despite progress in renegotiations, the government has yet to sign the draft agreement, leaving lecturers on the same salary regime since 2009.
“The government has left Nigerian universities poorly funded, relying on Tetfund, which was meant to be an intervention agency rather than the main source of funding,” Jibril added.
Financial Strain and Infrastructure Challenges
The union also highlighted severe financial challenges faced by ABU, exacerbated by underfunding and exorbitant electricity tariffs.
Jibril revealed that these tariffs have inflated the university’s expenses to approximately N10 million per day, placing immense strain on its financial resources.
This financial burden recently led to disruptions in the university’s electricity supply and essential municipal services until immediate interventions were implemented.
“In the aftermath of the 2022 struggle, the Federal Government claimed to have budgeted N170 billion in the 2023 budget,” Jibril noted.
However, this funding has not materialized adequately, leaving the universities to grapple with financial instability.
Call for Support and Action
ASUU ABU Zaria urged the public to hold the Federal Government accountable if a strike occurs.
The union called for support from parents, students, and stakeholders in their struggle for better university funding and conditions.
They also reiterated their demand for the reinstatement of governing councils whose tenures have not yet expired and the reconstitution of those whose tenures have lapsed.
The union called on the Federal Government to prioritize reducing electricity tariffs as a crucial step in supporting education and fostering sustainable development nationwide.
“Prompt action on this issue will safeguard the viability of the education sector and promote the advancement of higher education in Nigeria,” Jibril asserted.
