By 
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Abia State University Uturu branch on Tuesday joined other ASUU branches in the 36 states of the federation to protest what they called government’s insensitivity to the welfare of Varsity lecturers.
Southeastposts reports that the protest which was done simultaneously throughout the federation is meant to address concerns regarding arrears of salaries owed Varsity Lecturers, issue of revitalisation fund owed them, the 2009 agreement reached between FG and ASUU.
Addressing newsmen during the protest, the Chairman ASUU branch of Abia State University, Uturu, Dr. Chidi Mba, said ASUU entered into an agreement with the government which borders on the welfare of university lecturers and the revitalisation of universities.
He said apart from the welfare of Varsity Lecturers, the agreement also hinged on structural development of all the universities, adding that from 2009 to date, the government has refused to sign that agreement.
The University Lecturer informed the press that they have written so many letters to remind the government of their agreement and why they should not renege on the terms, stressing that all their appeals have not yielded any positive result.
Dr. Mba, who decried the attitude of government regarding University education, said it is unfortunate that the government has continued to play lip service to the plights of Varsity Lecturers and development of education at large.
He also declared that it was disheartening that lecturers in the country have continued to receive same salary scale for years, stressing that it was a different situation from their colleagues outside the academic circle.
“So today, we’ve come to remind all the stakeholders of the consequences of the action. So that when we embark on strike, they will not hold us responsible. That we have done all the needful since 2009 to date.
“It should be on record that it’s only lecturers that their salary has been static in the country. All other correspondents have increased their salary. So today, we’ve come to inform, do a rally and press conference concerning our welfare.
“This rally is going on in all universities in the federation. And we are doing our own now. We just finished our congress and we’re moving for the rally.”
On whether ASUU, ABSU branch will proceed on strike after the demonstration. Dr. Mba informed newsmen that after the protest, there will be a NEC meeting where it will be decided if they will be downing tools and proceed on strike.
Comments