ASUU threatens strike over unpaid allowances, poor welfare

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Calabar Zone has issued a stark warning, signaling a potential "total, comprehensive and indefinite" strike that could cripple state-owned universities across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River states. This is not merely a dispute over allowances; it represents a deep-seated frustration with the Federal Government's persistent failure to honor agreements and address the deteriorating welfare of academic staff. The union's statement, signed by Zonal Coordinator Ikechuku Igwenyi, paints a grim picture of institutions pushed to the brink.

“

The Calabar Zonal leadership of ASUU today, sadly, alerts all well-meaning Nigerians that it cannot guarantee industrial harmony and, therefore, should not be held responsible when the internal mechanisms collapse.

What makes this situation particularly concerning from our perspective is the systemic neglect highlighted by ASUU. The failure to implement the 2009 Federal Government agreement, coupled with the non-payment of earned academic allowances and wage awards, has created an untenable environment for lecturers. These are professionals who form the backbone of higher education, yet they are reportedly facing severe financial hardships due to delayed salaries and withheld deductions. The union's lament that inflation has relegated university workers to the "ranks of the working poor" is a powerful indictment of the current state of affairs.

“

This alarm is to sound out ABSU, AKSU, EBSU, and UNICROSS administrations, governing councils and relevant government authorities that the continued neglect of staff welfare and the breach of signed agreements will definitely push these universities in the zone to the precipice of a “ total, comprehensive and indefinite industrial action.”

While international media might focus on the disruption a strike would cause, we must understand the local context. For these universities, particularly Abia State University (ABSU), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), and the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), this is about survival and the fundamental right to fair compensation and working conditions. The ASUU's threat is a last resort, born from years of patience and maturity. The withholding of union dues and other deductions by university administrations further exacerbates the problem, demonstrating a lack of transparency and accountability that is deeply troubling for the future of education in these states.

“

In UNICROSS for instance, 24 months union dues, welfare and Special Support Levy, ASUU UNICROSS deduction and National Housing Fund deduction since 2018 have been deducted and withheld by the university administration.