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.
