Members of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Abia State University, Uturu, have expressed their frustration with the Federal government’s refusal to implement the 2009 agreement.
They also called on the Abia State government to address the issues of their welfare.
The members, who protested at Uturu Campus on Tuesday, lamented that the Federal government is more interested in the welfare of politicians than lecturers.
The Chairman of ASUU, Abia State State University branch, Chidi Mba, who led the protest, said that Nigeria’s harsh economic situation had ruined the little money they earn as salaries, adding that the members had remained on the same salary scale for many years.
Mba said it was shocking that the wages of politicians and other appointees had been appreciating exponentially while the earnings of ASUU members remained static.
He further expressed worry that the university system and Nigeria’s education at large were suffering in neglect, warning that the situation was further endangering the nation’s future.
The ASUU Chairman, who said that the protest was a nationwide union action, warned that strike may become the next option to press home their demands, declaring that “when we embark on strike, they will not hold us responsible”.
Also, members of the ASUU during the protest, called on the Abia State government to address their challenges, including poor power supply to their offices, non-payment of their Earned Academic Allowances, while some lecturers in the messages they displayed, alleged that Abia State government had not paid them for one year.
