University lecturers’ salaries have not been reviewed in 11 years – ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has claimed that the salaries of university lecturers in the country have not been reviewed in the last 11 years.
Dr Lazarus Maigoro, Chairman of the University of Jos chapter of the union disclosed this at the peaceful protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Jos.
It was gathered that the NLC embarked on a nationwide protest in solidarity with the ASUU and other affiliate unions over the lingering industrial action in public universities in Nigeria.
Maigoro said the strike was to push for their demands and to enable the government to address the lingering issues.
”It is not that we derive pleasure in going on strike, but it has become our last option and this is simply to salvage the decaying state of university education in Nigeria.
”We entered an agreement with the Federal Government in 2009, till date this agreement has not been honoured by the government.
”For instance, in the last 11 years, the salaries of university lecturers have not been reviewed. Where in the world is this done?
”Committees were set up to look into our demands, but the government refused to consider the recommendations of these committees,” he said.
Maigoro accused the government of paying lip service to the growth of university education, insisting that education remains the bedrock of development in any society.
According to him, education remains the only asset for the common man, adding that the struggle of the union was not solely personal, but aimed at ensuring standards practices in the education sector.
The chairman thanked NLC and other affiliate bodies for their solidarity in calling on the government to address the issues at hand.
Maigoro also called on parents to support and collaborate with ASUU toward securing a better future for their children and the generation yet unborn.