Proliferation of Universities: ASUU lauds FG, seeks return to 2009 agreement 

Proliferation of Universities: ASUU lauds FG, seeks return to 2009 agreement 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has commended the Federal Government for placing a moratorium on the establishment of new public Universities in the country.

The commendation was made on Thursday in Sokoto while addressing journalists on the outcome of the union’s Zonal National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Speaking at the briefing, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Abubakar Sabo, said the moratorium was in line with ASUU’s long-standing advocacy.

“For over a decade, our union has warned about the harmful effects of establishing ‘mushroom’ universities without concrete plans for their development.

“We were therefore not surprised when the Minister of Education revealed that over 30 universities had zero subscription for admission,” he said.

Sabo observed that while ASUU recognises the right of private individuals to establish universities, government must ensure quality education and avoid profiteering in the sector.

He also urged the Federal Government to return to the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement in order to address critical issues contained in the union’s draft agreement.

“This draft document covers vital areas including conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding, and a review of the laws governing JAMB and NUC,” he added.

The zonal NEC, according to him, acknowledged government’s plan to convene a meeting to address some of the pending issues and urged members to remain patient until the outcome is known.

Among the demands highlighted by the zone were the payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding, and revitalisation of universities.

Sabo however expressed displeasure over government’s alleged poor commitment to the welfare of lecturers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) introduced in 2004.

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“Our retired colleagues bear the brunt of the government’s policies, suffering under a galloping inflation rate of 21.88 per cent and rising costs of electricity, transport, housing, communication, food, and medication.

“It is unacceptable and cruel that a senior academic with over 40 years of service receives a paltry monthly pension of N150,000 in the current economic climate,” he stressed.

Sabo explained that the NEC resolved to give government time to address the issues and would report back to members after the meeting of the Federal Government.

“The outcome will inform our next steps in addressing our demands and calming our membership after over two years of waiting,” he said.