The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, has expressed deep sorrow on Monday as it revealed the distressing toll of economic hardship and unfavorable working conditions, leading to the demise of 46 academics across universities in the region, including the University of Abuja and the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
In a heart-touching statement, the zonal coordinator of ASUU, Abuja zone, Salahu Muhammed, highlighted the dire consequences of poor remuneration and working conditions on the health and well-being of educators.
He cited the recent loss of Professor Johnson Oyero, an esteemed figure in Fisheries at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who tragically passed away due to the unavailability of quality medical facilities.
“It is also worthy of note that the union has lost several members during the period under review due to herculean working conditions, psychological and emotional stress, and diseases related to these conditions. For instance, universities in the Abuja zone have lost 46 members.
“In fact, just two days back, the union lost an eminent Professor of Fisheries, Johnson Oyero of the Federal University of Technology, Minna due to inability to afford quality medical facility,” the statement partly reads
Muhammed further underscored the alarming trend of Nigerian academics seeking better opportunities abroad, leaving those dedicated to the country’s educational system overwhelmed and demoralized.
“In the last decade, more Nigerian academics are leaving the country in droves in search of greener pastures, thereby overworking the patriotic ones that remain in the system whose level of patriotism is dwindling on a daily basis due to poor remuneration and working conditions,” he added.
Expressing disappointment, Muhammed also called out the Tinubu-led administration for failing to fulfill its commitments to ASUU, exacerbating tensions and potential industrial actions within universities.
Despite promises from the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, to address some of the grievances, Muhammed asserted that the government has fallen short of its assurances, urging an immediate revisit of past agreements and a swift resolution to ongoing challenges.
In a clarion call to action, ASUU urged all concerned citizens to implore the Federal Government to uphold its obligations, emphasizing the urgent need for the implementation of key agreements and the exemption of universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
