The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos chapter, has rejected the Federal Government’s new loan scheme for workers in tertiary institutions.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Tuesday, the union’s chairman, Prof. Jurbe Molwus, described the initiative as a “trap” and a “poisoned chalice.”
Two weeks ago, the Federal Government unveiled the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, which it said was meant to boost welfare and professional growth of both academic and non-academic staff. But ASUU insists that what lecturers need is not more loans, but better pay and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement.
“Our members already have access to loans and many are even in debt from cooperative societies. What we need is for government to sign our agreement so that our salaries can take care of us without resorting to borrowing,” Molwus said.
He added that ASUU’s ongoing peaceful protests on campuses nationwide were to remind government of unresolved issues. The union also urged President Bola Tinubu to personally meet with ASUU leaders to find lasting solutions and prevent fresh disruptions in the university system.
ASUU has been in constant dispute with the Federal Government over funding, wages, and welfare. Their 2009 agreement remains a key source of contention.
