The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has insisted that the
federal government must pay the sum of N50billion revitalisation fund
for it to consider suspension of the ongoing strike.
The Union also said it has lost confidence in government making empty
promises which it will not keep to after agreements have been reached.
Other conditions attached to the suspension of the strike is the
presentation of concrete evidences of the payment of the promised
N20billion earned academic allowances and showing how the balance of
N85billion will be paid with timelines.
ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi who stated this on Sunday in
Ibadan while speaking to newsmen added that the members of the Union
have said only concrete evidences of implementation by the government
would make them return to the classrooms.
According to Ogunyemi, while ASUU has rejected Government’s proposal
of N20billion (which is to be paid in two tranches) made by the
government on the revitalization of Universities, the union is asking
government to mainstream the earned academic allowances into the 2019
budget which is still being worked on by the National Assembly.
He lamented that the Nigeria’s ruling class does not see education as
a priority but prefer to create new education colonies of private
educational institutions which cannot meet the needs of Nigerian
children.
“We want them to pay immediately N50billion as a sign of commitment
this quarter and for the next three quarters government can pay
N50billion in each quarter. So our members have rejected the 20billion
proposed by them that will be spread over two quarters in 2019. Our
members have insisted on the release of at least N50billion. In
relation to earned academic allowances which they have an outstanding
N105billion our members are saying that even if you (Government) are
releasing N20billion let it be stated clearly that it is only for ASUU
members and the balance which you promised to pay in four instalments,
attach timelines to the balance and figures. In 2017, this government
promised to mainstream the earned academic allowances into the budget
so that we wont be coming to talk about arrears. If government had
done put that into the 2018 budget we would not be talking about
arrears now. Our members are saying government should take steps to
mainstream it into the 2019