ASUU President slams FG over failure to implement agreements

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, has criticised the Federal Government for failing to implement agreements reached with the organised labour, particularly ASUU, since President Bola Tinubu’s administration began in May 2023.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Professor Osodeke revealed that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU is currently engaging in nationwide consultations with its branch members to determine the next course of action after the NEC meeting later this month.

Professor Osodeke expressed disappointment that despite the agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government, no payments have been made to its members, causing unnecessary hardship for their families.

When asked if the promises made by the Federal Government had been fulfilled, Professor Osodeke responded, “Well, none has been implemented. On the issue of wage award and the issue of seven and a half salary arrears, I can tell you that nothing has been implemented.

“In fact, as I am talking to you now, none of our members have been paid.”

The failure to fulfill these agreements has raised concerns among ASUU members, who are now considering their next steps in response to the government’s inaction.

On the possibility of embarking on industrial action to press home their demands, ASUU boss said the association will present all the suggestions gathered during its nationwide consultations at the NEC meeting and take necessary action.

Speaking on the association’s next line of action, Professor Osodeke said, “That is why we have come to see our members and we are seeking their views about the next line of action which we are taking to our NEC meeting in February (this month). And at the NEC meeting we are going to take a decision,” he noted.

Also in a separate remark, the branch Chairman, ASUU, FUTMinna Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, described the visit of Professor Osodeke and his entourage to the University as encouraging and assured him of his members’ unflinching support to achieve the set objective.