Address poor funding of tertiary education in Ebonyi, group tells Umahi

OganihuEbonyi, a socio-political group, has demanded immediate resolution of the dispute between the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the state government.

In a statement by Laz Ude Eze, its convener, and Chinedum Elekwachi, interim publicity secretary, the group urged David Umahi, the state governor, to address the issue without further delay.

The group expressed concern over the disaffection between the EBSU staff and government which has “crippled activities” in the university.

It also tackled the state government over what it termed “undemocratic approach” in handling the lingering dispute with ASUU.

“Having read the public statements of ASUU and the state government and talked with key officials on both sides, we wish to state as follows,” the statement read.

“That there’s an evidence of a progressive decline in the funding of tertiary education in Ebonyi State since 2016. This has led to non-promotion or promotion without proportionate remuneration of teaching and non-teaching staff of EBSU and other state-owned tertiary institutions.

“That we are disappointed with the high handed and undemocratic approach which the state government has deployed in managing the dispute with ASUU.”

The group, while commending the governor for his achievements in other areas, urged him to replicate same in the education sector to improve teaching and learning at levels in the state.