ASUU Rejects FG N35,000 Minimum Wage Award, Demands Negotiated Salary
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the N35,000 wage award offered by the Federal Government, insisting on negotiating its members’ salaries directly with the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
This stance was reiterated by ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, during the inauguration of the University of Ibadan (UI) branch secretariat of ASUU in Ibadan on Thursday.
According to Osodeke, the union has agreed to accept whatever amount is legally deposited in their accounts, but this should not be considered their negotiated salary.
He emphasized that ASUU still insisting on a negotiated salary, as the N35,000 award is unacceptable.
ASUU Rejects FG N35,000 Minimum Wage Award
Osodeke highlighted several unresolved issues with the Federal Government, including the renegotiation of the existing agreement, payment of withheld salaries, earned academic allowances, and the release of the Needs Assessment Funds.
He criticized the practice of using external or foreign consultants for projects in the country, emphasizing that the government should instead hire local experts, particularly those within Nigerian universities, as consultants.
The UI ASUU branch secretariat was inaugurated amidst praise from the Vice-Chancellor of UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who commended the union for its efforts in constructing the building using the expertise of its members.
The secretariat is expected to serve as a hub for intellectual discussion, collaboration, and solidarity among union members as they strive for a better future for Nigerian universities and the nation.
