The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has convened a town hall meeting in Sokoto to address the ongoing dispute with both the Federal and Sokoto State governments, on Sunday.
This meeting was organized jointly by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) and Sokoto State University branches of the union.
During the press conference, Professor Muhammad Almustapha, chairman of the UDUS branch, emphasized the necessity of the meeting to inform parents about the current situation and discuss possible solutions.
Almustapha lamented that both tiers of government have failed to resolve key issues that led to the union’s strike in 2022.
Key among the grievances is the federal government’s failure to implement the Nimi Briggs committee report and to settle the backlog of earned academic allowances.
Almustapha also Condemn the federal government for what he described as the “illegal dissolution of University Governing Councils.”
The union called on the Sokoto State government to urgently implement a 25/35 percent salary increment for ASUU members employed by the state, as well as a N35,000 wage award for academic staff.
Additionally, ASUU urged the completion of staff quarters at Sokoto State University and adequate funding to address shortages in lecture rooms and hostel accommodations.
In Maiduguri, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia, chairperson of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) ASUU chapter, reiterated the union’s commitment to fighting for its rights and the autonomy of universities.
Speaking to Newsmen Mshelia accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting its agreements, prompting ASUU to increase public engagement to garner support from students, parents, and guardians.
Mshelia highlighted the federal government’s deceptive approach, noting that despite the suspension of strikes on the promise of fulfilled agreements, nothing has been done by the current administration.
He called on the public to pressure the federal government to take action, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for a united front.
“Government, in its usual insincerity and deceptive ways of handling matters, has refused to formally meet with the union. So, we felt it is time for the students, parents, guardians and public to be aware of the deceptive ways of this present administration, how it is handling matters affecting the universities.”
