The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reiterated its stance on negotiating the salaries of its members with the current administration, rejecting the proposed N35,000 wage award.
ASUU National President, Emmanuel Osodeke made this clear during the inauguration of the University of Ibadan (UI) branch secretariat on Thursday.
According to Osodeke, while members may accept whatever is legally deposited into their accounts, it will not be considered a negotiated salary. He stressed that a negotiated salary is still pending.
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He pointed out several outstanding issues with the federal government, including renegotiating the existing agreement, paying withheld salaries, earned academic allowance, and releasing the Needs Assessment Funds.
The President, however, commended the UI ASUU branch for building the secretariat using in-house expertise and criticized the practice of hiring external consultants for projects. Instead, he advocated for utilizing local experts, particularly from Nigerian universities.
Earlier, UI Vice-Chancellor Kayode Adebowale (represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Yemisi Bamgbose) praised the union, adding that the secretariat would serve as a hub for intellectual discussions, collaboration, and solidarity among members.
UI ASUU Chairman Ayo Akinwole stated that the secretariat was built without external donations, thanks to the contributions and dedication of union members.
