The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) branch, protested on Tuesday over the Federal Government’s failure to review their conditions of service and non-payment of promotion arrears.
According to ASUU Chairman, Uzoma Chima, 325 senior lecturers promoted to professorial level have not received their promotion arrears for 30-40 months. Chima called on the Federal Government to address the issues to avoid another crisis in the universities.
The union lamented the continued rot in the universities, citing the Federal Government’s refusal to pay promotion arrears and its failure to review conditions of service in 15 years.
ASUU accused the government of using “starvation” by withholding salaries and coercion through courts.
The protest comes after a meeting with students, parents, and opinion leaders. ASUU warned that another strike may be imminent if the issues are not addressed.
The last strike lasted 18 months, and the union claimed the government has not addressed the core issues, only paying lip service.
Chima emphasized the need for better remuneration for ASUU members, citing the galloping inflation and hardship caused by successive governments.
The union urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to take necessary action.
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