The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Calabar branch, has threatened to embark on strike if the Federal Government fails to address its lingering demands, citing disregard for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and neglect of the union’s welfare concerns NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
In a press conference held yesterday at the University of Calabar, the union listed unresolved issues including the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding of universities, revitalization of public institutions, victimization of members at LASU, KSU and FUTO, outstanding 25–35% wage award and three months’ salary arrears, promotion arrears of over four years, and non-remittance of third-party deductions.
ASUU lamented that despite repeated promises, the government had failed to act, leaving the union with no choice but to consider industrial action. “Unfortunately, government, in its characteristic manner, has paid deaf ears to our legitimate demands, and has constantly pushed our Union to embark on a strike action,” the statement read.
Specifically, the union accused the government of deliberately attempting to abandon the Collective Bargaining Principle (CBA), which Nigeria as a signatory to international labour conventions is obliged to uphold. “Nigeria, with bogus government’s representation at ILO meetings, cannot disregard one of the core principles of the organization—CBA. Time is running out,” the union warned.
ASUU further rejected the government’s proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), describing it as a “bait” that would plunge members deeper into debt, and insisted instead on fulfillment of withheld salaries and entitlements. It also faulted the proliferation of universities without clear development plans, calling it political patronage that undermines quality education.
On retirement welfare, the union decried the plight of retired academics under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), stressing that senior lecturers who served over 40 years should not be reduced to earning a “paltry N150,000” monthly in today’s economic realities.
The Calabar chapter concluded by reaffirming its commitment to dialogue but stressed that patience has worn thin. “We have appealed for over two years. With the attack on our salaries and the failure to honor agreements, the Union is prepared for all options at the next NEC meeting,” it stated.
