The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Kano zone has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to fulfill the agreements and memoranda previously established with the union.
This appeal was made by the Zonal Coordinator, Abdulqadir Muhammad, during a news briefing held after a zonal meeting that included representatives from the seven universities in the zone.
The primary issues highlighted by ASUU include:
1. Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement: The union emphasises the need to renegotiate the Federal Government-ASUU 2009 agreement to address current challenges and improve the state of public universities.
2. Funding for University Revitalization: ASUU calls for adequate funding to revitalize public universities, aiming to enhance their global standing and improve the quality of education.
3. Respect for University Autonomy: The union insists on respecting the autonomy of universities, which they believe is crucial for the proper functioning and governance of these institutions.
Abdulqadir Muhammad noted that the failure to sign the draft renegotiated agreement has caused widespread dissatisfaction and lowered morale among academic staff, leading to a significant brain drain.
He urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to adhere to the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, which Nigeria has committed to, and to release funds necessary for settling salary arrears, Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), and withheld salaries.
Furthermore, ASUU called on the Kano State Government to reinstate the dissolved governing councils of the two state-owned universities, viewing their dissolution as arbitrary.
The union also urged state governments to comply with a presidential directive, supported by a court ruling, that exempts tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), advocating against the illegal enrollment of their members into such platforms.
These demands are aimed at fostering industrial harmony and improving the conditions of public universities in Nigeria.
