ASUU Strike: FG’S Proposal may Lead to Lecturers’ Pay Cut

The Federal Government’s recent salary proposal to lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sparked widespread concern, particularly over potential reductions in the pay of entry-level lecturers. Investigations by Sunday PUNCH reveal that while senior professors may earn up to N9 million yearly, graduate assistants could see their take-home pay drop to as low as N90,000 per month after deductions.

ASUU Rejects Government Offer

The majority of ASUU members have rejected the government’s offer, describing it as a “miserable proposal.” ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, refused to provide details of discussions with the government but affirmed that the union would not compromise on its demands.

The union had commenced its nationwide strike on February 14, 2022, citing several grievances:

• Non-release of revitalisation funds for universities

• Non-payment of earned allowances to lecturers

• Proliferation of universities by politicians and state governments

• Refusal to deploy the University Transparency Accountability System (UTAS) for salaries and allowances

• Refusal to renegotiate the ASUU-FGN 2009 agreement

To resolve the strike, the government established a panel led by Emeritus Professor Nimi-Briggs, pro-chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, to negotiate with ASUU.

Salary Discrepancies Highlighted

Sources revealed that the government’s proposal would increase the salaries of senior professors but reduce earnings for graduate assistants:

• Graduate assistants (GA) starter: N1 million per year (~N83,000/month before deductions)

• Senior graduate assistants: N1.2 million per year (~N100,000/month before deductions)

• Step 4 graduate assistants (current salary): N1,606,380 annually; N133,865.08 monthly gross, netting ~N111,922 after deductions

• Junior professors: N6 million per year (~N500,000/month)

• Senior professors (“professors at the bar”): N9 million per year (~N750,000/month)

ASUU officials condemned the proposal, saying it undermines collective bargaining and reduces the union’s patriotic struggle to a fight for meagre salaries.

Federal Government’s Position

Minister of Education Adamu Adamu defended the administration’s investment in tertiary education, noting that the Buhari government has invested an estimated N2.5 trillion in infrastructure and development, surpassing the N1.2 trillion outlined in the 2009 ASUU agreement.

The government has also set up White Paper committees to process visitation panel reports, which ASUU wants released.

Impact on Students

The strike has now entered its 188th day, leaving students stranded and parents concerned. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged ASUU to find alternative means to pursue salary demands without disrupting academic activities.

Prof. Osodeke stressed that ASUU plans to cover the backlog of lessons for affected sessions, starting from 2020/2021 before proceeding to 2022/2023.

Other University-Based Unions Resume Work

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) suspended their strike for two months, allowing the government time to implement agreed resolutions. The suspension is temporary, with a review scheduled after the two-month window.

Related Article: SSANU, NASU members protest strike suspension, pelt leaders

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What salaries were proposed by the Federal Government?
Senior professors could earn N9 million yearly, junior professors N6 million, while graduate assistants may earn as little as N90,000 monthly after deductions.

Why did ASUU reject the offer?
ASUU described the proposal as miserly, claiming it undermines the union’s efforts to revamp Nigerian public universities and unfairly reduces salaries for junior lecturers.

What triggered the ASUU strike?
The strike began due to non-release of funds and allowances, proliferation of universities, refusal to implement UTAS, and failure to renegotiate the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.

How long has the strike lasted?
The strike has entered its 188th day, affecting students across Nigerian universities.

What steps are students and other unions taking?

• NANS urged ASUU to consider students’ interests and seek alternative ways to pursue salary demands.

• SSANU and NASU suspended their strike for two months to give the government time to meet agreements.

Source: Sunday PUNCH