By Audrey Lotechukwu
MON 15 MARCH, 2021-theGBJournal-Dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities seem endless. This time, claims of victimization of the Union members and alleged refusal of the government to pay its members salaries is causing fresh rift which could see University students return home for the umpteenth time.
The Union, in a statement issued today said, the Federal Government had refused to pay its members salaries despite the ‘’no victimisation clause’’ of the suspended strike. It said ‘’while its members are back to their duty posts to work, the harsh economy being experienced due to unpaid salaries and non-refund of deducted check-off dues will affect productivity.’’
ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan don, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, accused the Federal Government of failing to remit the deductions it made to the account of the Union and warned that if pushed to the limit, ‘’withdrawal of work in the nearest future may be inevitable.’’
Akinwole said while government was paying outstanding five months salaries for those on nominal role at an agonisingly slow pace, over 100 University of Ibadan staff members were being owed salaries for between two to 10 months.
He revealed that those newly employed in February 2020 had not received money with their families and dependants suffering over their rejection of enrolment on the IPPIS.
The ASSU chief noted that the suspension of the strike was based on an agreement reached and a ‘’Memorandum of Action’’ signed in ‘’good faith between the government and ASUU at the stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday 22 December, 2020.’’
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