The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin chapter, has criticized the Bola Tinubu government for perpetuating frustration and using hunger as a tactic to undermine the lecturers’ struggles. The union described the Tinubu administration as the worst in terms of anti-labor policies during a press conference following a peaceful protest addressing the state of the nation and the educational system.
The union expressed disappointment, stating they felt deceived by the inclusion of individuals who previously led protests in the country but are now acting against labor interests. Comrade Felix Akanmu, the branch chairman, remarked that when the current administration took office nearly a year ago, there were high hopes for resolving their demands and achieving reforms.
“Our expectations were based on the supposed democratic roles played by some prominent figures now in government. We were deceived by bringing on board people who led protests in this country. But they are now acting contrary to nature and have been more anti-labor in their operations,” said Akanmu.
He emphasized that despite numerous efforts, the current government has not officially engaged with ASUU. “The government, instead of committing itself to negotiated welfare packages and the revitalization and proper funding of our institutions, has consistently maintained lines of frustration, blackmail, and the use of hunger as weapons to demystify the essence of our struggles. The illegally dissolved and reconstituted governing councils and boards of universities have been replaced by politicians,” Akanmu alleged.
Meanwhile, ASUU has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands or face industrial action. Comrade Shehu El-Rasheed, ASUU chairman at the Federal University of Kashere (FUK) in Gombe State, announced this after a peaceful protest. The protest highlighted issues such as the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), withheld salaries, lack of promotion arrears, and the rejection of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS). El-Rasheed warned that the union would embark on a strike if their demands are not met by the end of the ultimatum.