“We received only 2 months out of 7” – ASUU reacts to payment of withheld salaries

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reacted to the federal government’s partial payment of withheld salaries, revealing that members received only two out of the seven months owed.

The announcement was made by Comrade Salahu Mohammed Lawal, ASUU Abuja zonal coordinator, during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

President Bola Tinubu approved the release of four out of the eight-month withheld salaries in October 2023.

The salaries were withheld following an eight-month strike by university-based unions in 2022, prompted by the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy implemented by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lawal expressed dissatisfaction with the amputated two-month salary payments, stating they fall significantly short of the union’s expectations.

“This is far below the expectation of the union and further weakens the morale of our members and the union’s trust in government promises.

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“We use this medium to call on all that are involved in this inglorious act to do the needful with regards lecturers’ withheld salaries as there is nothing more to prove,” Lawal said.

He called on the federal government to fulfil its promises by concluding, signing, and promptly implementing the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee on Renegotiated Agreement.

The ASUU official also urged the government to pay all withheld salaries, promotion arrears and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

ASUU emphasized the need for the government to address outstanding allowances and arrears across campuses, pointing out that the promised payment of arrears of Earned Academic Allowances (EAAs) captured in the 2023 budget had not been fulfilled.

The union also called for a halt to the proliferation of universities and appealed for adequate funding for existing institutions rather than establishing new ones.