Otuoke University staff members protest FG’s failure to meet Union’s demands

From Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) at Federal University Otuoke (FUO) staged a peaceful protest on Thursday, demanding urgent action from the federal government to address unresolved demands or risk a nationwide shutdown of university operations.

In solidarity with their counterparts across Nigeria, FUO union members marched through the campus, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “SSANU, NAS Demand Fair Treatment from FG,” “Pay Third-Party Deductions,” “Renegotiate 2009 Agreement,” “We Demand N40bn Earned Allowance,” “Clear 25%, 35% Salary Arrears,” and “No More Empty Promises.”

The protest aimed to spotlight the government’s failure to honor commitments made to the unions.

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The unions listed several grievances, including the unequal distribution of N50 billion in Earned Allowances, stalled renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-SSANU/NASU Agreements, non-payment of two months’ salaries from 2022, unpaid arrears for 25% and 35% salary increments, and outstanding third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

Addressing journalists after the march, Oye Ake, FUO SSANU Branch Chairman and JAC Chairman, accused the government of consistently sidelining non-academic staff.

“Out of N50 billion allocated for Earned Allowances, only N10 billion went to non-teaching unions, while ASUU received N40 billion. This is blatant injustice. We demand our rightful N40 billion,” Ake stated.

Ake also criticized the government’s failure to renegotiate salaries and allowances since 2009, despite repeated promises and the creation of numerous committees.

He highlighted the withholding of two months’ salaries following a 2022 strike, despite assurances of no victimization.

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“The 25% salary increment arrears for one year remain unpaid. Our members are suffering, some burdened by loans taken in expectation of these funds. The government must act immediately, or we will paralyze the university system,” he warned.

FUO NASU Branch Chairman Johnny Godwin reaffirmed the unions’ determination.

“This protest is a clear message to the government about our frustration. We will not stop until our entitlements are paid. United, we stand firm until our demands are met.”

The protest underscores growing unrest among university unions, with the JAC warning that failure to address these issues could lead to a nationwide shutdown of academic activities, further disrupting Nigeria’s university system.