Connect with us

News

ASUU Rejects FG’s Loan Offer, Threatens Nationwide Protests

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is at odds with the Federal Government once again, rejecting the recently launched Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) and threatening to embark on nationwide protests. The union’s discontent stems from several unresolved issues, including the non-payment of withheld salaries and the slow progress in renegotiating the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.

Loan Scheme Rejected

ASUU has vehemently opposed its inclusion in the TISSF, a zero-interest loan scheme designed to provide financial support to staff in tertiary institutions. The union has described the scheme as an attempt to make them “guarantors of loans it knows nothing about” and is demanding to be delisted from the process. Instead, ASUU is urging the government to prioritize the release of its members’ outstanding three-and-a-half months’ salaries.

Unresolved Issues Fueling Tension

The rejection of the loan scheme is just one aspect of the ongoing conflict between ASUU and the Federal Government. Other key issues in contention include:

  • Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
  • Improved conditions of service for university staff
  • Increased university funding
  • University autonomy and academic freedom
  • Review of laws governing the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)

Nationwide Protests on the Horizon

In response to the government’s perceived inaction, ASUU has resolved to organize protests across all its branches nationwide. These protests will be accompanied by press conferences to raise awareness about the union’s demands. The date for the protests will be announced in due course.

Background on the TISSF

The Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) was recently launched by the Federal Government, offering academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions access to loans of up to ₦10 million. Eligibility requirements include having at least five years left before retirement and being a member of recognized staff associations like ASUU, SSANU, or NASU.

Looking Ahead

The looming protests signal a potential disruption to academic activities in Nigerian universities. It remains to be seen whether the government will take steps to address ASUU’s concerns and avert further escalation of the conflict. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of industrial relations in the Nigerian tertiary education sector.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

Continue Reading

News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

Continue Reading

Trending

∧