UNIZIK LECTURERS PROTEST FG’S REFUSAL TO PAY 8 MONTHS SALARY ARREARS

REPORTER: IFEANYICHUKWU CHINWUKO

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Chapter, has called on Federal Government to improve on the condition of the teaching profession in Nigerian public universities.

The union made this known during a protest march they held to speak against the poor condition of service being meted out to teachers in public universities.

The protesting lectures carried placards with inscriptions including: “our working conditions must improve or you kill Nigerian university system,” “Nigerian Professor’s salary is less than $500″ and “shame on the destroyers of Nigerian public universities.”

Speaking on the development, the Chairperson of ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Branch, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh, condemned the refusal of the Federal Government to pay them their eight month salary arrears.

Comrade Ufoaroh also called on the Federal Government to stop casualization of Nigerian academics, especially those in the public universities.

For his part, the President, Students Union Government (SUG), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Comrade Charles Ijeoma, assured the protesting ASUU members that the students share in their pains while joining the call on the Federal Government to do the needful.

Earlier in an address, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, assured the protesting teachers that he would take their message to the school’s governing council, who would in turn take it to the Federal Government.

Professor Esimone further promised to ensure that welfare of staff in the institution were well taken care of.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU