Addressing participants, the Chairperson of ASUU-UNIJOS, Prof. Jurbe Molwus, expressed appreciation for the engagement, describing it as a timely effort to enlighten students and stakeholders on the government’s failure to honour critical agreements and funding commitments to the nation’s universities.
Prof. Molwus noted that, despite ASUU’s commitment to maintaining industrial harmony for the past two years, members have endured significant hardship due to unpaid entitlements, withheld allowances, and delayed welfare benefits.
He further reminded stakeholders that the union had issued a 14-day ultimatum, which expires on October 13, after which a two-week warning strike would be declared if the government fails to act. The decision, he said, was reached at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on September 28 in Abuja.
Molwus reiterated that ASUU’s demands were aimed at strengthening the Nigerian university system, not personal gains. Key demands include:
👉Immediate release of the revitalisation fund;
👉Signing and implementation of the 2009 agreement;
👉Payment of promotion arrears and responsibility allowances withheld under IPPIS;
👉Reinstatement of victimised members;
👉Payment of 23/35 per cent wage awards; and
Release of three months’ withheld salaries.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Jane Pwajok, President of the University of Jos Students’ Union Government (SUG), commended ASUU for the open engagement, describing it as an eye-opener that provided a better understanding of the union’s struggles.
She lauded ASUU’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s tertiary education system but appealed for dialogue-driven approaches that would not disrupt academic activities.
Pwajok added that while students appreciate ASUU’s sacrifices, there are growing concerns that another strike could distort the academic calendar and prolong their time in school.