The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Ilorin criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, labeling it the worst in terms of anti-labour policies. This statement was made during a press conference following a peaceful protest highlighting concerns about the state of the nation and the educational system.
Branch chairman Comrade Felix Akanmu expressed disappointment with the current administration, noting that initial high hopes for addressing their demands had been unmet. He accused the government of betraying democratic principles, citing prominent figures now in power who had previously led protests but were now acting contrary to their past stances.
“We were deceived by bringing on board people who led protests in this country. But they are now acting contrary to nature and have been more anti-labour in their operations,” Akanmu said.
He further criticized the government for not engaging with ASUU officially despite repeated attempts. Akanmu alleged that the government has opted for tactics of frustration, blackmail, and economic hardship to undermine the union’s efforts. He also accused the government of replacing the governing councils and boards of universities with politicians instead of focusing on welfare and funding issues.
ASUU has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address their demands or face industrial action. This was echoed by Comrade Shehu El-Rasheed, ASUU chairman at the Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Gombe State, who cited issues such as non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), withheld salaries, unpaid promotion arrears, and rejection of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) as reasons for the protest and potential strike.
Similarly, ASUU members at Benue State University (BSU) staged a protest against what they described as the Tinubu administration’s neglect of public universities. They called on concerned Nigerians to intervene to prevent another prolonged strike. The protest involved displaying placards with various messages and marching around the BSU campus.
