Economic hardship: 46 professors, others die in UNIABUJA, FUTMinna — ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abuja zone, on Monday, lamented the death of some of its members owing to Economic hardship in the country alongside poor remuneration of academics and unfavourable working conditions.
The union said no fewer than 46 academics lost their lives in universities under the Abuja zone, namely the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, and the Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai.
The union said it recently lost an eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero, of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, due to the inability to afford quality medical facilities.
The zonal coordinator, ASUU, Abuja zone, Salahu Muhammed made this known in a statement made available to our correspondent in Abuja.
“In the last decade, more Nigerian academics are leaving the country in droves in search of greener pastures, thereby overworking the patriotic ones that remain in the system whose level of patriotism is dwindling on a daily basis due to poor remuneration and working conditions.
“It is also worthy of note that the union has lost several members during the period under review due to herculean working conditions, psychological and emotional stress, and diseases related to these conditions. For instance, universities in the Abuja zone have lost 46 members.
“In fact, just two days back, the union lost an eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero of the Federal University of Technology, Minna due to inability to afford quality medical facility.”
Speaking further in the statement, Muhammed said the union was also appalled by the failure of the Tinubu-led administration to honour some of the commitments it made with the union in a bid to avert potential industrial actions in universities.
Muhammed stated, “Over the past decade, an increasing number of Nigerian academics have sought opportunities abroad due to challenging circumstances at home. This trend has placed additional strain on those who remain within the country, leading to a decline in their level of dedication and patriotism.”
He emphasized the adverse impact of poor remuneration and working conditions on the mental and physical well-being of academic staff, noting that many have succumbed to the pressure, stress, and associated health issues.
“The loss of 46 members within universities in the Abuja zone underscores the severity of the situation,” Muhammed added.
“Tragically, we mourn the recent passing of Professor Johnson Oyero, whose death highlights the dire consequences of inadequate access to quality healthcare.”
ASUU reiterated its call for urgent reforms to address the systemic challenges facing the education sector, including the need for improved funding, better infrastructure, and enhanced welfare for academic staff.
The union urged stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of educators and invest in creating a conducive environment for teaching, research, and scholarly pursuits.
Earlier, Education Minister Tahir Mamman announced some of the current government’s plans to ensure the satisfaction of academics to prevent industrial action.
Tahir pointed out that the government will implement a 35% salary increase for professors, as recommended by the previous government.
He also noted that university academics will be excluded from the Integrated Payroll and Human Resources Information System. The IPPIS issue has become a major point of contention between the federal government and his ASUU.
But Mr Mohammed said the government had reneged on its promise. He also called on the government to immediately review all past agreements.
“In conclusion, the union calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to meet the expectations of the Federal Government of Nigeria in: To fulfill.”
“Immediate payment of all withheld salaries, waiver of promotion arrears and payment of earned academic allowances.
“Immediate implementation of salary incentives (25% and 35%) and arrears from January 2023 to date to avoid arrears. Federal and state governments should stop the proliferation of universities and reduce the The exemption should be implemented immediately.
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