ASUU asks FG to release N50bn to end strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked the federal government to show proof of earned allowance payment before it ends its strike.

Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU president, said this in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, ahead of the union’s meeting with the federal government.

The union asked the federal government to immediately pay N50 billion out of the outstanding allowance as a sign of commitment to resolve the industrial strike.

On November 4, members of the union embarked on indefinite strike following government’s failure to implement the agreement reached in November 2016.

“The Nigeria’s ruling class does not see education as a priority but prefer to create new education colonies of private educational institutions which cannot meet the needs of the Nigerian children,” Ogunyemi said.

“We want them to pay immediately N50 billion as a sign of commitment this quarter and for the next three quarters government can pay N50 billion in each quarter. So, our members have rejected the N20 billion proposed by the government, which it promised to spread over two quarters in 2019.

“Our members have insisted on the release of at least N50 billion in relation to earned academic allowances which the government has an outstanding of N105 billion.

“Our members are saying that even if the government is releasing N20 billion, let it be stated clearly that it is only for ASUU members. And the balance which you promised to pay in four installments, attach timelines to the balance and figures.

“In 2017, this government promised to mainstream the earned academic allowances into the budget so that we won’t be coming to talk about arrears. If government had done that and included it into the 2018 Budget we would not be talking about arrears now.

”Our members are saying government should take steps to mainstream it into the 2019 budget and that is not late because the National Assembly and executives are still working on the budget.”