The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi branch, has issued a stern warning to the state government over what it described as prolonged neglect of key issues affecting its members.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the branch chairperson, Abdulmumini Loko, said the union was compelled to address the media due to the government’s failure to resolve longstanding concerns despite repeated engagements.
According to him, industrial harmony at the university can no longer be guaranteed if urgent action is not taken.
“Unless immediate steps are taken by the Nasarawa State Government to defray all outstanding arrears and address our demands, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed,” Loko stated.
The union listed several demands, including the immediate implementation of a 40 percent salary increase, improved funding for the institution, and payment of professorial allowances. It also called for the settlement of arrears related to Earned Academic Allowance, outstanding salary increments, and the recently approved minimum wage adjustments.
Other issues raised include the need to fully implement the contributory pension scheme, ensure prompt remittance of government contributions, enforce the retirement age policy for professors, and regularly constitute visitation panels for oversight.
Loko warned that the continued delay in addressing these issues could worsen conditions within the university system, citing risks such as declining education quality, low staff morale, disruption of academic activities, and increased brain drain.
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While reaffirming ASUU’s willingness to continue dialogue, he stressed that members’ patience is wearing thin.
“ASUU NSUK remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement. However, the patience of our members is not infinite,” he said.
He added that the union may be forced to take lawful steps, including industrial action, if the situation persists.
The dispute reflects a broader pattern of tensions between ASUU and government authorities across Nigeria, often centred on funding gaps, welfare concerns, and delayed implementation of agreements—issues that continue to disrupt academic calendars and affect the quality of higher education nationwide.
