The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has firmly denied claims by the federal government that it has released ₦50 billion to settle earned academic allowances for university lecturers. According to ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, the union has not seen any verifiable evidence of such a payment.
- ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, denies the federal government’s claim of releasing ₦50 billion for university lecturers’ allowances, speaking exclusively to SaharaReporters.
- Osodeke questioned the transparency of the government’s announcement, noting that no documentation or funds have been received.
- The government, under President Bola Tinubu, had previously stated that ₦50 billion was released to settle earned allowances for both academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.
- Osodeke clarified that ASUU had only received verbal notification, not a formal payment or report.
- The union’s response casts doubt on the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during university union negotiations.
The government's claims of funding university staff are swiftly challenged by ASUU, raising doubts about transparency and actual financial disbursements. With the union demanding concrete evidence, the already strained relationship between ASUU and the federal government is set to escalate. If the government cannot back up its claims with proof, we could see further protests or strikes, delaying much-needed academic reforms.
