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ASUU Calls for Town Hall Meeting Due to FG’s Non-Implementation of Report |
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for a town hall meeting in Sokoto to address the ongoing dispute with the Federal and Sokoto State governments.
At a joint press conference held by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University and Sokoto State University branches, Professor Muhammad Almustapha emphasized the importance of the meeting to inform parents about the situation and to discuss potential solutions.
Almustapha, the chair of the UDUS branch, expressed disappointment that both levels of government have not resolved several issues that led to the union's strike in 2022.
He criticized the federal government for not implementing the Nimo Briggs committee's report and for not clearing the backlog of earned academic allowances.
He also condemned the federal government's 'unlawful dissolution of University Governing councils'.
Nonetheless, he urged the Sokoto State government to urgently implement the proposed 25/35 percent salary increase for ASUU members under its jurisdiction.
ASUU also demanded that the Sokoto State government enforce the N35,000 salary award for academic staff and complete the construction of staff quarters at Sokoto State University.
The union additionally called for sufficient funding for universities to tackle issues like insufficient lecture halls and hostel accommodations.
In a separate development, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia, the chairperson of the UNIMAID ASUU chapter, informed Daily Trust in Maiduguri that ASUU is determined to advocate for its rights and the autonomy of universities.
Mshelia criticized President Tinubu's administration for failing to honor its commitments, leading the union to enhance its public outreach to gain support from students, parents, and guardians.
He stated, "It's quite evident that the Federal government has been deceptive, as we halted the strikes believing that the agreements would be honored. However, to this date, nothing has been actioned by the current administration concerning our members."
Mshelia called on the public to exert more pressure on the FG to act, noting that the UNIMAID chapter has aligned with ASUU's national movement to highlight the urgency and advocate for collective action against the government's lack of response.
"The government has consistently shown dishonesty and a deceptive approach in addressing issues, refusing to formally engage with the union. Therefore, we believe it's crucial for students, parents, guardians, and the general public to recognize the current administration's deceptive tactics in managing university-related matters," he said.
