MINNA – The Chairperson of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, has called on President Bola Tinubu to evaluate and sign the renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government to restore efficiency in Nigeria’s university system. This appeal was made shortly after a peaceful protest held by the union to express their grievances over unpaid salaries and allowances.

The protest saw an unprecedented turnout, with university students joining the lecturers in solidarity. Holding placards with various inscriptions and chanting solidarity songs, the students and academic staff demonstrated a united front in their demand for better working and learning conditions.

Prof. Bolarin, during a press conference following the protest, outlined a comprehensive list of demands that the union believes are crucial to averting another potential industrial action. These demands include the prompt payment of unpaid salaries and allowances, and the implementation of the renegotiated agreement to enhance the overall efficiency of the Nigerian university system.

“The failure to address these issues has severely impacted the quality of education and the welfare of our members,” Prof. Bolarin stated. “We urge President Bola Tinubu to promptly sign the renegotiated agreement to restore normalcy and improve the standards of our universities.”

In a show of solidarity, the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Eze Nnabuike, led the students during the protest. He emphasized the adverse effects that strikes have on the students, causing disruptions in their academic calendar and prolonging their time in school.

“We bear the brunt every time our lecturers go on strike,” Nnabuike said. “We are here today to support our lecturers because their demands are just and necessary for the betterment of our education system.”

Union members, while addressing journalists, expressed their determination to see their demands met. They highlighted the added strength brought by the students’ support, hoping that their united front would expedite the resolution process and ensure the prompt payment of their dues.

“We are resolute in our demands,” a union member declared. “With the additional support from the students, we hope our collective voice will lead to a swift resolution and the prompt payment of our salaries and allowances.”

The peaceful protest and the subsequent press conference underscore the growing frustration within the academic community over the prolonged delays in addressing their concerns. The union and the students are calling on the government to take swift action to avoid further disruptions in the academic calendar and to ensure that the Nigerian university system operates efficiently and effectively.

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