The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Sunday, warned that it may resume its suspended strike over the alleged victimization of its members and the non-payment of salaries.
It accused the Federal Government of victimising its members and tactically avoiding the payment of their salaries for up to 10 months. In a statement by the Chairman, University of Ibadan branch of ASUU, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the union said despite suspending the strike on December 24, 2020, on the condition that its members would not be victimised for their role in the last strike, many lecturers were still being owed salaries of between two and 10 months.
ASUU stated that while members are back to their duty posts, the harsh economic environment due to unpaid salaries and nonrefund of deducted check-off dues will affect productivity.
Prof. Akinwole said the government has refused to remit deductions it made to the account of the union, suggesting it is a plan to stifle ASUU. The union leader warned that members would be forced to withdraw their services again if pushed to the limit.
According to him, while the government is paying outstanding five months salaries for those in the nominal role at an agonisingly slow pace, over 100 academic staff are being owed salaries ranging between two and 10 months.
He said: “While ASUU as a union, and her members as individuals in various branches have remained faithful to this agreement by returning to classes and performing their respective duties, the Federal Government true to type has reneged on its part.